1 suspect in custody, another at large after Will County railway theft, car crash: sheriff

NEW LENOX, Ill. (WLS) -- One suspect is in custody, and another is at large after a reported rail theft in Will County on Saturday morning, officials said.

The Will County Sheriff's Office said BNSF police notified them of a possible theft at a Wilmington Township railroad crossing just before 7:30 a.m.

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Deputies responded to the crossing at Lorenzo and Cottage roads, where they found several people wearing ski masks inside a black van and a gray SUV near the tracks, the sheriff's office said.

According to the sheriff's office, when deputies tried to make traffic stops, the drivers fled the scene and headed northbound on Interstate 55, where one of the vehicles struck another car.

One of the vehicles ended up near Francis Road and Vine Street in New Lenox. There, officers from multiple police agencies set up a perimeter and took one person into custody.

That suspect was taken to the hospital to be checked out, and BNSF police are working on charges with the Will County State's Attorney's Office.

Another suspect, who fled the vehicle in New Lenox, remains on the loose and is described as a male wearing a ski mask and gray hooded sweatshirt.

Earlier Saturday, authorities asked New Lenox residents near Francis Road and Vine Street to remain inside. Residents can now leave their homes, officials said later Saturday afternoon.

Further information was not immediately available.