Crystal Lake cops arrest men they say led them on high-speed chase

Crystal Lake Police arrested a pair of local motorcyclists for several offenses that include trying to outrun an officer, authorities said.

This week, police served warrants on both men - Mark A. Schlarb, 34, of the 400 block of Brentwood Drive and Timothy J. Montgomery, 33, of the 500 block of Juanita Vista, both in Crystal Lake.

Police say that on Aug. 10 at 11:22 p.m., both bikers were speeding west on Rakow Road.

An officer tried to conduct a traffic stop in his squad car but both men accelerated, leading the officer on a high-speed chase.

The motorcyclists passed several vehicles unlawfully on Rakow Road and then west on Ackman Road.

Schlarb turned onto northbound Amberwood Drive, lost control of his bike and crashed on the 1300 block, according to a news release.

The officer called for an ambulance and tried to give first aid to the motorcyclist, authorities said.

Paramedics took Schlarb to Centegra Hospital in Woodstock, after which he was airlifted to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with life-threatening injuries.

He was released from the hospital Thursday, the release said.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Department assisted Crystal Lake police in the subsequent investigation and identified Montgomery as the second rider, the release said.

Both men were charged with: aggravated fleeing and eluding, speeding over 40 mph over the posted limit and reckless driving.

Schlarb faces an additional charge for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and received 12 traffic tickets.

Montgomery was also charged with felony obstruction of justice and he received 10 traffic citations.

Both men are scheduled to appear in court Sept. 1 at the McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock.

Their bail information was not available Saturday night.

If found guilty of aggravated fleeing and eluding, a Class 4 felony, they each could spend between one and three years in prison.