Kewanee Man Arrested After 107 MPH Police Chase

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A 23-year-old Kewanee man was arrested on Sunday night after leading police on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 107 mph on U.S. Highway 34 south of Kewanee, Illinois. The pursuit ended when the suspect's vehicle crashed at an intersection, and he was charged with DUI, criminal speeding, aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, and other offenses.

Why it matters

Late-night high-speed chases and DUI incidents remain an ongoing public safety concern in the Kewanee area, particularly along the busy U.S. 34 corridor that is frequently used by commuters and young drivers. This arrest highlights the risks posed by reckless driving and the need for continued law enforcement efforts to address these issues.

The details

According to the Henry County Sheriff's Office, a patrol sergeant observed a vehicle traveling at 107 miles per hour around 11:47 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, near U.S. Highway 34 south of Kewanee. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver, identified as 23-year-old Ryan D. Hagerty, allegedly fled, leading to a pursuit. The chase ended when Hagerty's vehicle crashed at the intersection of Page Street Extension and Galva-Atkinson Blacktop. Hagerty and a passenger were taken into custody at the scene, with Hagerty charged with DUI, criminal speeding, aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, disobeying a stop sign, and failure to signal. The passenger was released without charges.

• The incident occurred around 11:47 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
• The pursuit ended when the suspect's vehicle crashed at the intersection of Page Street Extension and Galva-Atkinson Blacktop.

What’s next

The judge will decide on Ryan D. Hagerty's bail status at a court hearing later this week.