Man accused of leading police on high-speed chase for 100 miles in southern Ill.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - A Carterville man is facing charges after police say he was involved in a high-speed chase through several southern Illinois counties.

According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were contacted on Friday, May 12 to help West Frankfort Police find a motorcyclist who led them on a high-speed chase. West Frankfort Police said officers lost sight of the suspect when he traveled into Williamson County.

Deputies reported spotting the motorcycle around 10:50 p.m. in Pittsburg, Ill. and attempted to stop the driver, but he did not stop. They said the motorcyclist took off northbound from Pittsburg at speeds higher than 100 mph.

Police identified the driver as Dennis Hanson, of Carterville.

The chase then continued on Corinth Road to Johnston City, then onto northbound Interstate 57.

Deputies said the chase reached speeds in excess of 120 mph, as they continued north on I-57 for about 60 miles, until exiting the interstate at Salem.

Hanson then reportedly continued westbound on State Route 50, an additional 10 miles, when he was taken into custody in Sandoval.

Deputies said Hanson led multiple patrol vehicles on a 100 mile pursuit through four counties.

Hanson was taken to the Williamson County Jail on an outstanding warrant out of Franklin County for aggravated DUI and an outstanding warrant out of Williamson County for aggravated fleeing and eluding.

Hanson could also face possession of methamphetamine, aggravated fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, driving while license suspended, resisting a peace officer and several traffic violations charges in connection with the chase.

No one was hurt during the chase.

In a released statement, Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich said this is not the first time Hanson has been involved in a chase with police.

“This suspect began leading law enforcement on high-speed pursuits as far back as 2007 and has continued with increasing frequency, egregious severity, and without regard for public safety,” said Sheriff Diederich.

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