ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, Ill. — A man is in custody after allegedly fleeing police in a stolen vehicle before crashing near the Quad Cities International Airport. A deputy and civilian were injured, the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office said.
According to a news release, officials responded to a Carbon Cliff gas station around 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 after receiving a report of a stolen vehicle located in the parking lot. A deputy arrived and attempted to detain a male driver and female passenger inside, but the driver fled, striking the deputy and the deputy's squad car in the process.
The suspect's vehicle fled the scene toward Colona and then Coal Valley, the sheriff's office said. Stop sticks deflated two of the vehicle's tires, but the driver continued toward the intersection of 27th Street and Airport Road in Moline, where he crashed into another vehicle.
The driver, identified as 36-year-old James Barlett, attempted to escape on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter. Charges are pending for Barlett, who had an outstanding warrant out of Scott County. The passenger, identified as Jessica K. Gordon, was also arrested on outstanding warrants.
The deputy Barlett hit was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital, according to the sheriff's office. The driver of the vehicle struck at the end of the pursuit was transported to a local hospital with unspecified injuries.
Officials said that charges are pending as the investigation involves multiple jurisdictions.
