A judge set bond at $350,000 for a man who allegedly went on a crime spree where he stole a high-end vintage Porsche and golf carts before leading police on a pursuit in a golf cart in Wauconda.
The Wauconda Police Department responded around 10:35 a.m. Tuesday to Monster Powersports, 315 North Rand Road in Wauconda.
Wauconda Police Chief David Wermes said officers received a call for a stolen vehicle in progress call at the business.
A 2023 Evolution six-passenger specialized golf cart, worth over $10,000, was stolen.
Officers located the golf cart in the area of North Old Rand and Bonner Road.
The suspect, identified as Drew W. Nelson, 35, of Lake Villa, fled from police across traffic, public right-of-way and private property, according to Wermes.
A brief pursuit ensued and Nelson was stopped in the parking lot of 1059 North Old Rand Road.
He was taken into custody without further incident, Wermes said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office a short time later issued a broadcast to area police departments about a stolen vehicle.
Wermes said that stolen vehicle, a 1962 Porsche, had been stolen out of Ingleside. The suspect description matched the description of Nelson.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said the Porsche is valued at more than $200,000.
Investigators interviewed Nelson and he admitted to going on a crime spree Tuesday morning, Wermes said.
Covelli said Nelson left his residence earlier in the day and stole a small mini bike.
He drove the mini bike to a restaurant in the 500 block of Park Avenue in Fox Lake where left the mini bike and stole a golf cart, Covelli said.
Covelli said Nelson drove the golf cart to a residence in the 28300 block of Brandenburg Road in Ingleside where he left the golf cart and stole a four-wheeler.
He allegedly rode around on the four-wheeler before returning to the same address on Brandenburg Road.
Nelson left the four-wheeler and stole the Porsche, Covelli said. He drove the Porsche down Route 12 before parking at Monster Powersports.
Once at the dealership, Nelson allegedly stole the 2023 Evolution golf cart before being apprehended by police.
“Ultimately, this case came together because of the communication between multiple agencies,” Wermes said.
Nelson was charged with theft over $100,000, theft, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, reckless driving, attempt to elude a peace officer, improper lane usage and criminal damage to property.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered Nelson held on a $350,000 during an initial hearing in which Nelson was not present.
Attorney Douglas E. Zeit asked the court for a psychological evaluation to be completed on his client.
Nelson remains held in the Lake County Jail and would need to post $35,000 cash in order to be released.
A status hearing is scheduled for Thursday.