Elgin Man Arrested after Crashing Stolen Car in St. Charles Park

An Elgin man is accused of possessing a stolen car and forgery in connection with a series of crimes, said Wednesday.

Nicholas D. Seidel, 30, of 1066 Spinnaker St., Elgin, is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing and eluding, burglary and driving with a suspended license.

Seidel also is charged with forgery.

Police said an investigation connected Seidel with a number of incidents. On Dec. 21, an officer surveilling Don McCue Chevrolet, 2015 E. Main St., because of the recent thefts of auto parts at the dealership, spotted someone driving a BMW which still had the price stickers on.

After a chase through downtown, the car was spotted after it had crashed in a grassy area of Baker Park. The driver, identified by police as Seidel, was arrested after a brief foot chase. 

Seidel, who was staying at the Super 8 Motel in St. Charles, was connected with other incidents, police said. Evidence connected him to the scene of a Dec. 18 burglary at The Colony, 3950 Stern Ave.

About $1,000 worth of computer equipment was reported stolen after someone broke a window at the Stern Avenue building, police said. Stolen computer equipment was allegedly found in Seidel's vehicle parked at the motel.

Seidel also allegedly used a forged $20 bill to buy iced tea on Dec. 18 at Walgreens, 2751 E. Main St. Police said they also found a computer, scanner and fake $20 bills in his vehicle.

A second man connected with the investigation also was arrested by St. Charles police and Kane County deputies on Dec. 22. The second man was taken into federal custody after the U.S. Secret Service and FBI were contacted.