1 Taken Into Custody After New Lenox Search, 2nd Suspect Remains At Large

NEW LENOX, IL — Will County authorities are still looking for a man they say was involved in a theft at a railroad crossing in Wilmington Township on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, some New Lenox residents were asked to stay indoors as multiple law enforcement agencies searched for the suspect near Francis Road and Vine Street.

At 1 p.m., the Will County Sheriff's Office released additional details about the incident and what led up to the search.

According to authorities, deputies were contacted by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe police shortly before 7:30 a.m. about a possible theft in progress at a railroad crossing at Lorenzo and Cottage roads in Wilmington Township.

When deputies arrived, they found several people wearing ski masks inside a black van and a gray SUV near the tracks.

When deputies attempted to stop the vehicles, the drivers fled and headed northbound on I-55, where one of the vehicles struck another car, authorities said.

The second vehicle ended up near Francis Road and Vine Street in New Lenox, authorities said. Officers set up a perimeter and took one person into custody. The person was taken to the hospital for evaluation, and BNSF police are working with the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office on potential charges.

According to authorities, a second suspect who fled the vehicle in New Lenox and remains on the loose. Police described him as a Black male wearing a ski mask and a gray hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts can submit a tip online.