A “dangerous fugitive,” who had been traveling up to 100 mph and erratically Saturday morning in a stolen vehicle, caused a head-on crash on Route 173 in Antioch that left another man injured, police said.
Village of Antioch Communication Specialist Jim Moran said a 2017 silver Chevy Malibu was reported stolen on Saturday.
The Antioch Police Department, along with several neighboring police departments, had been tracking the stolen vehicle in Lake and Kenosha counties throughout the morning.
The car was reported to be driving erratically and at speeds of 70-100 miles per hour, despite police never pursuing it.
The Chevrolet passed an Antioch police car while the squad was parked on the side of Route 173 around 11 a.m. Saturday.
The stolen vehicle was traveling westbound at an excessive rate of speed and already passing vehicles on the right, Moran said.
The Antioch police officer attempted to catch up to the Chevrolet in order to initiate a traffic stop.
Moran said that, before the police could catch up, the Chevrolet crossed the centerline on Route 173 west of Tiffany road and struck a 2022 Volvo SUV.
The driver of the Volvo, a 43-year-old Skokie man, was transported to an area hospital and released Saturday afternoon.
The driver of the stolen Chevy Malibu, identified as Raymond Underwood, 29, of Salem, Wisconsin, was transported to an area hospital where he remains with non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the crash, investigators discovered Underwood had two active warrants out for his arrest from McHenry County.
Underwood admitted to first responders that he had used cocaine earlier in the morning.
He was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, felony theft, three counts of aggravated fleeing to elude, driving on a revoked driver’s license and driving under the influence of drugs. Further charges are possible.
Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow said he was happy that a wanted and dangerous criminal is now in police custody.
“I am thankful that this fugitive who displayed a disregard for the life and safety of others, is off the streets,” Guttschow said.
“His actions could have caused a deadly consequence. He will be prosecuted to the fullest extent that the law allows,” Guttschow said.
Underwood is expected to appear in bond court once he is released from the hospital.