Alleged threats made by a Sterling man prompted three schools to go on lock down before he was arrested.
Shortly before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2015, Sterling Police found out that there was a signed complaint against 35-year-old Donald Hoefke on a burglary charge, according to a statement from the Sterling Police Department. On top of that, threats Hoefke had made toward families and staff connected to Prophetstown Elementary School prompted the school to go on a soft lock down.
A soft lock down is when classes resume as normal, but visitors are not allowed inside the building and the perimeter is secured.
Police said Washington Elementary School and Challand Middle School were also placed on a soft lock down out of precaution.
Not even a half hour later, Sterling Police spotted Hoefke driving on 5th Avenue in Rock Falls, and followed him onto 12th Avenue, according to the statement. Once Hoefke was headed northbound on Avenue G toward Sterling, officers tried to pull him over.
“Hoefke initially pulled over for officers but fled in the vehicle before an officer could approach him,” said the statement from Sterling Police.
Officers chased Hoefke northbound on Avenue G, to West 15th Street, and through Kilgore Park, police said. Hoefke eventually surrendered to police.
There were no reported injuries.
Hoefke was charged with burglary, aggravated attempted fleeing to elude, reckless driving, unlawful possession of cannabis (less than 2.5 grams), and multiple traffic offenses, according to the statement. Hoefke was taken to the Whiteside County Jail in Morrison, IL.
