Centralia Pair Arrested After High-Speed Chase, Shots Fired at Police

The suspects reached speeds over 110 mph and fired at the pursuing officer before crashing their vehicle.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Two Centralia, Illinois residents have been arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase that reached over 110 mph and involved shots fired at the pursuing officer. The chase began when police attempted to stop the driver, 25-year-old Dylan Foutch, for driving without lights. Foutch and his passenger, 37-year-old Brian Ely, fled at high speeds, firing three shots at the officer before crashing their vehicle. Both men then fled on foot before being apprehended.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that high-speed police chases can pose to both officers and the public. It also raises concerns about the proliferation of illegal firearms and drugs in the Centralia area. The willingness of the suspects to fire upon the officer during the pursuit is especially troubling.

The details

According to police, the chase began when Centralia Police Lieutenant Steve Whritenour attempted to stop Foutch for driving without lights. Foutch fled at speeds reaching 110 mph, running a red light and leading the officer out of the city limits onto US 51. As the vehicle approached the Irvington-Dix exit, three shots were fired from the fleeing car at the pursuing officer's vehicle, though no one was struck. The chase continued for several more miles before the suspects' car ran off the road into a ditch, at which point both Foutch and Ely fled on foot. Foutch was quickly apprehended, while Ely was located about a quarter-mile away with the help of a police K-9 unit.

  • The chase began at 10:09 pm on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The suspects' vehicle crashed east of Holyeton around 10:30 pm.

The players

Dylan Foutch

A 25-year-old resident of Centralia, Illinois who was the driver of the vehicle and has been arrested for armed violence, aggravated discharge of a firearm at police, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and other charges.

Brian Ely

A 37-year-old resident of Centralia, Illinois who was the passenger in the vehicle and has been arrested for disobeying a peace officer, resisting arrest, and possession of methamphetamine.

Steve Whritenour

A lieutenant with the Centralia Police Department who initiated the traffic stop that led to the high-speed chase.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Dylan Foutch out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious risks that high-speed police chases can pose, as well as the growing problem of illegal firearms and drug trafficking in the Centralia area. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to address these public safety concerns.