Authorities: Gurnee man led deputies on high-speed chase, resisted arrest

A Gurnee man is facing several charges after fleeing from police and speeding in excess of 50 mph over the posted limit, officials said.

Deputies attempted to stop a pickup driven by Austin M. Williams, 47, in Wadsworth late Thursday when it was clocked going 104 mph in a 50 mph zone, according to a news release from the Lake County sheriff’s office.

Williams pulled over but refused to get out of the car; he then sped away, leading a deputy on a brief chase. The deputy lost sight of Williams while headed west on Stearns School Road in Gurnee and alerted other area departments, authorities said.

Gurnee police found the pickup unoccupied at 11:10 p.m. near Red Pine Avenue and Alpine Court in the village.

As authorities were attempting to tow the vehicle, a teen approached officers claiming to own the vehicle, and he demanded they release it. Officers warned the teen to leave, but he refused and was placed in custody, according to the release.

Shortly after, Williams approached the officers with clenched fists, demanding the teen be released, police said. He was ordered to stop approaching but refused, and a sheriff’s deputy grabbed his arm, authorities said.

Williams “aggressively pulled his arm away from the deputy” and continued toward the scene, according to the release. Officers subdued Williams with a Taser, and he was taken to the Lake County jail, authorities said.

He is charged with resisting an officer, obstructing an officer, reckless driving, aggravated speeding, speeding in a construction zone, and fleeing and eluding.

Williams’ next court date is Nov. 6.