Fleeing Aurora ATV Driver Crashes, Gets Arrested: Police

MONTGOMERY, IL — An Aurora man who was injured in an ATV crash was arrested after police say he attempted to flee from an officer Saturday in Montgomery. Just after 10 p.m., Montgomery police attempted to stop two ATV drivers who were in the roadway in the area of Webster and Main streets.

Instead of stopping, the ATV drivers took off, starting a pursuit in which police said both drivers committed numerous traffic violations. After turning onto southbound Route 31, the ATVs turned onto Baseline Road, then split up, police said.

Shortly after the ATVs split up, one driver hit an incline in the 700 block of South Lake Street. The driver, identified as Charles Lantz of Aurora, was ejected and briefly went airborne, police said. Lantz was momentarily rendered unconscious, according to a police report.

Police said Lantz was wearing a helmet and received immediate medical attention. After he was treated, Lantz was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, police said:

• Fleeing and Eluding a Peace Officer
• Reckless Driving
• Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle
• Speeding over 31 mph Posted Speed Limit
• Improper Operation of an ATV
• Careless Operation of an ATV
• Disobeying a Traffic Control Device (2 Counts)
• Improper Passing on the Left
• Improper Lane Usage
• Driving the Wrong Lane

Lantz posted bond and was released from custody with a pending date in Aurora Branch Court, police said.

Photo of Charles Lantz via Montgomery police