Ogle County, IL

Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Announces ‘Click It or Ticket’ Campaign Numbers

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office today announced it issued 108 total citations during the recent Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period.

While Illinois’ 2022 seat belt compliance rate was 93%, unbelted occupants still account for more than half of those killed in traffic crashes. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign aims to change the behavior of the millions of people who don’t buckle up. Thousands of lives could be saved each year if every vehicle occupant was properly restrained when traveling.

During the enforcement period, Sheriff’s Deputies issued 108 citations for violations to increase traffic safety that included the following offenses:

• 6 arrests for DUI
• 15 arrests for Revoked/Suspended/No Valid Driver’s Licenses
• 1 felony drug arrest
• 2 misdemeanor drug arrests
• 2 arrests for drivers with outstanding arrest warrants
• 28 citations for Speeding Offenses
• 7 citations for Uninsured Motorists
• 9 citations for Registration Violations
• 3 citations for No Seat Belt Violations
• 3 citations for Improper Lane Usage Violations.

The Illinois “Click It or Ticket” campaign is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal highway safety funds.

On 5/28/2023 at approximately 1935 hours, Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 7,000 block of W. IL Rte. 64.  After investigation, Deputies placed, Andrew Swift, age 36 of Mt. Morris under arrest for an active Lee County FTA Theft warrant and Possession of Methamphetamine less than 5 grams (class 3 felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Swift was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held pending a court appearance in front of a judge.  All subjects are presumed innocent.

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office joins Illinois ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign to save lives

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office today announced it is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign that will run May 19-30 and reminds motorists to buckle up for safety. “Click It or Ticket” leverages education and enforcement to save lives.

“Seat belts have proven to be life-saving in the event of a crash,” said Sheriff Brian VanVickle. “Unfortunately, many still don’t buckle up. Worse yet, not wearing a seat belt is a habit that can be passed on to younger generations who follow the example set by their elders.”

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a popular time for traveling to visit family and friends. Whether you are traveling down the block or across the country, make sure you buckle up every time. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%. Seat belts save lives every day, but they’re only effective if they’re used.

While Illinois currently has a 93% seat belt use compliance rate, unbelted occupants still account for more than half of those killed in motor vehicle crashes. The simple click of a seat belt could save thousands of lives each year.

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal highway safety funds.

On 05/06/2023 the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received a 911 call at 1432 hours reference heavy smoke coming from a house at 7029 W. Penn Corner Rd, rural Polo. While en route to the location fire personnel observed heavy smoke from a distance and requested a 2^nd alarm.  Once on scene it was determined the occupant of the residence was likely still in the residence, additional manpower was requested and the incident was escalated to the 4^th alarm.  At approximately 2200 hours Frank L. Hatch, age 68, was located deceased in the residence and transported to the Ogle County Coroner’s Office. Fire personnel remained on scene until 2330 hours.

The following agencies responded to the structure fire: Polo, Mount Morris, Dixon Rural, Sterling, Oregon, Milledgeville, Forreston, Leaf River, Franklin Grove, Amboy, Chadwick, Advance Ambulance, Rochelle, Byron and Freeport Rural.  The investigation regarding the cause of the fire is being conducted by the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and the death investigation is being conducted by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. No foul play is suspected at this time. 

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office announced it issued 313 total citations including 11 citations for handsfree law violations during April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month enforcement campaign. Citations were also issued for offenses including:

• 88 citations for speeding
• 11 DUI arrests
• 42 citations for suspended, revoked, or no valid DL
• 44 citations for no insurance
• 28 citations for suspended or revoked registrations

“We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason – to save lives,” said Sheriff Brian VanVickle. “This increased enforcement was implemented to help motorists avoid the often-deadly consequences of distracted driving with a simple reminder: Drop it and drive.”

The Sheriff’s Office joined forces with the Illinois State Police, local law enforcement and highway safety partners for this enforcement effort.

The Illinois distracted driving campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

On 4/16/23 at approximately 1437 hours, Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of E. Camling Road.  After investigation Deputies placed Shaquille Campbell, age 30 of Oregon, under arrest for Driving While License Suspended.  Campbell was additionally issued citations for an expire registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.  Campbell was released on an I-bond at the scene and given a future court date.  All subjects are presumed innocent. 

On 4/11/2023 at approximately 1046 hours, Deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident with an injury near the intersection of Broadway St. and Montague Road in Baileyville.  Upon arrival, Deputies learned that a white Ford F-250 driven by Olan Nolley Jr., age 52 of Georgetown, Kentucky was traveling eastbound on Montague Road.  A maroon Chevrolet Sierra driven by Henry Huenefeld, age 64 of Forreston, was at the stop intersection of Broadway St. and Montague Road facing northbound when it pulled out in front of the white Ford F-250.  The white Ford was unable to avoid the Chevrolet and struck it on the driver’s side of the vehicle causing heavy damage.  The Chevrolet then traveled off the north side of the roadway before coming to rest.  The Ford also traveled off the north side of the roadway just east of the intersection before coming to rest and sustained heavy front end damage.  Huenefeld was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Forreston Ems/Fire, Forreston Police Department, and the Ogle County Coroner’s Office assisted with accident.  The accident remains under investigation.      

In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office  is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to step up enforcement efforts across the state. Motorists can expect to see increased patrols and traffic safety enforcement zones throughout April.

“Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today,” said Sheriff Brian VanVickle. “During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone who is texting and driving. Remember, if you have a phone in one hand, you can expect a ticket in the other.”

In Illinois, using your phone in anything other than handsfree mode is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. Drop it and drive.

The Illinois distracted driving campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office announced that it made 5 DUI arrests and issued 229 total citations during the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period which ran from March 10th thru March 19th. The citations and other offenses include:

• 17 Citations for revoked, suspended or no valid DL offenses
• 4 Arrests for outstanding warrants
• 1 Felony drug arrest
• 5 Arrests for DUI
• 3 Arrests for Cannabis violations
• 23 Citations for speeding violations
• 29 Citations for registration violations
• 22 Citations for insurance violations.

“We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason – to save lives,” said Sheriff Brian VanVickle.

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office joined forces with state and local law enforcement and highway safety partners in the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign.

The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

On 3/18/23 at approximately 1454 hours, Deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of IL Rte. 64 and Willow Road.  After investigation Deputies placed Katlyn Quandee, age 28 of Dubuque, Iowa, under arrest for an active FTA Jo Daviess County warrant and No Valid Driver’s License.  Quandee was additionally issued a citation for speeding.  Quandee was transported to the Ogle County Jail where she was held in lieu of bond.  All subjects are presumed innocent. 

On 03-12-23 at 0308 hours, Deputies along with Lynn-Scott-Rock and Stillman Valley Fire and EMS responded to a single vehicle ATV accident with injuries near the intersection of West Chicago Avenue and North Maple Avenue in Davis Junction. After an investigation, it was determined a red Honda ATV driven by Michael Ricci III, age 46 of Stillman Valley was traveling westbound on Chicago Avenue, just east of Maple Avenue, when the ATV entered into the north ditch. The ATV overturned several times in the ditch. Ricci was transported to Mercy Riverside Hospital by Lynn-Scott-Rock ambulance for serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

During the crash investigation, it was determined Ryan Brantley, age 31 of Stillman Valley was traveling in front of Ricci on Chicago Avenue in a black Polaris UTV. After an investigation, Brantley was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Brantley was also issued a citation for operating an off-road vehicle on the roadway. Brantley was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond. All subjects are presumed innocent.

On 3/4/2023 at approximately 1211 hours Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 8,000 block of N. IL Rte. 251.  After investigation Deputies placed Eric Hentges, age 59 of Rockford, under arrest for Driving While License Revoked (class 4 felony) and Possession of stolen property (class 4 felony).  Hentges was also issued citations for Driving While License Revoked (class A misdemeanor), operating an uninsured vehicle, and no valid registration.  Hentges was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held pending a court appearance in front of a judge.  All subjects are presumed innocent. 

On 3/4/2023 at approximately 1631 hours Deputies conducted a traffic stop near the north intersection of Ridge Road and Pines Road.  After investigation, Deputies placed Savannah Siron, age 22 of Dixon, under arrest for Driving While License Suspended.  Siron was additionally issued citations for operating a vehicle with suspended registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.  Siron was released on an I-Bond at the scene and given a future court date.  All subjects are presumed innocent. 

On 6/19/22 Ogle County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a two vehicle crash with a fatality at the intersection of Rte 64 and Mulford Rd.  At that time Deputies determined that a pick up truck driven by Amy M. Anthenat, age 47 of Creston, had entered the intersection northbound on Mulford Rd and collided with an eastbound motorcycle driven by Richard J. Andrews, age 61 of Addison. As a result of the collision Andrews was pronounced deceased. Sheriff’s Deputies completed an investigation into the incident and after all evidence was collected and documented, the findings were presented to the Ogle County States Attorney’s Office for review of possible charges. As a result, a warrant was issued for Anthenat for the charge of Aggravated Driving With a Drug, Substance, or Compound in Breath, Blood or Urine Resulting in Death, a class 2 felony. Anthenat was taken into custody for the warrant on 2/27/23 and was transported to the Ogle County Jail where she later posted $5000.00 (10%) as bond. Anthenat was released on the bond and will appear in court on 3/24/23 at 9:00 am.   

On 2/27/2023 at approximately 1548 hours, Deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Chana Road and Flagg Road.  After investigation, Deputies placed, Kimberly Sanford, age 51 of Dixon under arrest for No Valid Driver’s License.  Sanford was additionally issued a citation for speeding.  Sanford was released on an I-Bond at the scene and given a future court date.  All subjects are presumed innocent.

On 2/19/2023 at approximately 0111 hours, Deputies responded to a residence in the 9,000 block of E. Fowler Road in reference to a Home Invasion in progress.  Prior to arrival Deputies were updated with information that a male offender had been shot by someone living at the property.  Deputies responded to the scene and administered aid to the offender after learning the male had been shot at least once in the lower abdomen.  Rochelle and Flagg Center EMS arrived on scene a short time later and began administering aid.  The male subject was then transported to the Rochelle airport, where he was flown to Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford by a Life Flight helicopter.  The male subject at the time was in critical, but stable condition.  The incident remains under investigation pending  possible charges.    

On 2/16/23 at 0731 hrs, Ogle County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with the Polo Fire and Ambulance and the Mt. Morris Fire Department responded to the intersection of Illinois Rte 64 and Freeport Road for a report of a three vehicle accident with serious injuries. Upon investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies determined that a 2003 GMC Yukon driven by Rebecca A. Marschang, age 50 of Polo, was northbound on Freeport Rd and was unable to stop for a stop sign, possibly due to icy road conditions. As a result the GMC entered the intersection and collided with a 2011 Honda Accord driven by Karen S. Harmon, age 57 of Lanark that was eastbound on Illinois Rte 64. After being struck by the GMC, the Honda then spun into the westbound lane where it was struck by a 2016 Peterbilt Semi tractor and trailer driven by Robert S. Engen, age 45 of Champlin, MN, that had been westbound on Illinois Rte 64. Engen was uninjured in the collision and Marschang was transported by private vehicle to Freeport Memorial Hospital for treatment of possible minor injuries. Harmon was pronounced deceased at the scene by The Ogle County Coroner and was transported to the Ogle County Coroner’s Office. The Incident remains under investigation. Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Illinois State Police as well as the Polo Police Department.

On 02/17/22, at approximately 1610 hours, Deputies conducted a traffic stop at IL Route 38 at Dement Road in Rochelle on a 2002 maroon GMC Yukon.  After conducting an investigation Gilberto Quintana, age 26 of Lee IL, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended.  In addition, Quintana was issued citations for Possession of Cannabis/Improper Container, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Expired Registration, and Failure to Display Driver’s License.  Quintana was transported to the Ogle County Jail on a valid Dekalb County Warrant where he was held in lieu of bond.  

On 2/10/2023 at approximately 0032 hours Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop at Blackhawk Dr. and Market St.  The vehicle continued without stopping before pulling into an address on 2^nd Street in Byron.  After investigation, Deputies placed Megan Gassaway, age 31 of Byron under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.  Gassaway was additionally issued a citation for speeding, improper lane usage, and operating in uninsured vehicle.  Gassaway was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where she was held in lieu of bond.  All subjects are presumed innocent.   

On 2/9/2023 at approximately 0218 hours, Deputies responded to a property damage accident that had occurred near the intersection of IL Rte. 2 and Ashelford Dr.  Prior to Deputies arrival, a Byron Police Officer had located the driver walking in the area.  After investigation, Deputies placed Timmy Horner, age 57 of Garden Prairie, IL, under arrest for Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol.  Horner was additionally issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle, improper lane usage, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.  Horner was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond.  All subjects are presumed innocent.   

On 2/3/2023 at approximately 2035 hours, Deputies responded to the 7,000 block of E. Gurler Road in reference to a two-vehicle accident with multiple injuries.  Upon arrival, EMS was attending to the occupants from both vehicles.  Once on scene, Deputies learned a Dodge Ram driven by Matthew Brown, age 32 of Ashton, was traveling westbound on Gurler Road and was cresting a hill.  At the same time, a Chevrolet Equinox driven by Diana Padela, age 75 of Rochelle, was traveling eastbound on Gurler Road and was also cresting the same hill.  The two vehicles then collided causing heavy front and driver’s side damage after the Dodge had drove partially into Chevrolet’s lane.  Brown, Padela, and Anna Loan, age 66 of Rochelle who was a passenger in Padela’s vehicle, were all transported to Rochelle Community Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.  Brown was later placed under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol at the hospital and released on an I-Bond.  Brown was additionally issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle and not driving on the right side of a two-lane road.  Rochelle fire/ems, Ashton fire/ems, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office all assisted with the accident.  All subjects are presumed innocent.      

On 2/5/2023 at approximately 0052 hours, Deputies had learned of a driving complaint southbound on I-39 near mile marker 111, which was all over the roadway.  A short time later Deputies located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at approximately 0103 hours near mile marker 99.  After investigation, Deputies placed Deon Body, age 27 of Rockford under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.  Body was additionally issued citations for Improper Lane Usage and Operating an Uninsured Vehicle.  Body was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where he was held in lieu of bond.  All subjects are presumed innocent. 

On 1/17/2023 at approximately 2123 hours, Ogle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 4,000 block of S. IL Rte. 2. After an investigation, Deputies placed Steven Smith, age 52, of Dixon, under arrest for Possession of Methamphetamine 15-100 grams (Class 1 Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine (Class X Felony). Pursuant to the stop, the Ogle County Drug Task Force, comprised of Sheriff’s Deputies and Officers from the Rochelle and Oregon Police Departments, obtained a search warrant for Smith’s residence.

On Wednesday, January 19th, at approximately 2:00 pm, the Ogle County Drug Task Force, assisted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at 1130 White Rock Drive in rural Dixon. During the search, Deputies located 27.5 grams of methamphetamine, 74.5 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 23.5 grams of cocaine, seven vials of testosterone steroids, drug paraphernalia, and additional items used in the sale and distribution of narcotics.

Pursuant to the ongoing investigation, additional charges are pending against Steven B. Smith in Lee County.

Ogle County Sheriff’s Office awarded Illinois Department of Transportation traffic enforcement grant

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office today announced it has been awarded a Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program grant to conduct additional traffic safety efforts. The STEP program focuses on high-visibility enforcement and strategies aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing traffic crashes.

“We’re pleased to receive this grant to step up our road safety efforts with the goal of saving lives,” said Sheriff Brian VanVickle. “Our mission is to make travel safer through directed, proactive patrols and to stop, cite and arrest those who choose to violate traffic laws.”

During the STEP grant year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023, the Sheriff’s Office will conduct additional enforcement efforts to supplement mandatory and optional campaign enforcement dates scheduled during some of the deadliest times of the year.

The supplemental efforts will focus on the leading contributory causes of crashes: speeding, impaired driving, electronic device use, failure to yield, and disobeying traffic control signals, as well as occupant restraint violations.

The STEP grant is funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

On 1/20/2023 at approximately 1713 hours, Deputies responded to a two vehicle property damage accident at the intersection of IL Rte. 64 and IL Rte. 251.  After investigation, Deputies placed Amber Appelgren, age 38 of Machesney Park under arrest for Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, and No Valid Driver’s License.  Appelgren was additionally issued citations for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and Illegal transportation of Alcohol.  Appelgren was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where she was held pending court appearance in front of a judge.  All subjects are presumed innocent. 

On 01/07/23, at approximately 0330 hours, Deputies with the assistance of the Illinois State Police responded to the intersection of IL Route 72 and Limestone Road for the report of a vehicle parked in the intersection.  Upon arrival, a male driver later identified as Charlie Zabinski (age 20), was found asleep at the wheel.  After a brief investigation, Zabinksi was taken into custody for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.  Zabinski was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was additionally cited for parking in an intersection.

Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Releases Holiday Enforcement Numbers

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Department partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement across the state for the holiday “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign. From Dec. 16 through Jan. 2, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Deputies issued 129 citations for various violations to motorists. The citations included offenses including:

• 5 arrests for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
• 8 arrests for Driving with No Driver’s License (Revoked/Suspended/ No Valid)
• 65 citations for Speeding
• 18 citations for Registration Violations
• 10 citations for Improper Lane Usage
• 7 citations for No Insurance
• 1 citation for No Seat Belt
• 1 citation for Illegal Transportation of Alcohol
• 1 arrest for a misdemeanor Cannabis Violation
• 6 citations for Other Traffic Offenses

“We can’t stress this enough: Impaired driving is illegal, potentially deadly behavior, and it puts the driver, passengers and all road users at risk,” said Sheriff Brian VanVickle. “The ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign helps our law enforcement officers address this problem head on. If you use any impairing substance, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in 2020, a total of 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2020, with one person killed in an alcohol-related crash every 45 minutes in 2020.

The holiday enforcement campaign is administered by IDOT with federal highway safety funds managed by NHTSA.

On 1/2/2023 at approximately 1627 hours, Deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident with an injury at the intersection of IL Rte. 64 and Mulford Road.  After arrival, Deputies learned a 2022 gray Ford Escape, driven by Mary C. Elmore, age 40 of Kirkland,  traveled through the stop intersection without stopping at the stop sign and struck a white 2013 Volvo truck-tractor trailer.  The truck tractor-trailer was driven by 60 yr. old David Prosise of Rockford, who was traveling westbound on IL Rte. 64, before the Ford Escape ran into his trailer.  Elmore was transported by Rochelle EMS to Mercy Riverside Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.  The Illinois State Police and Lynn-Scott-Rock Fire and EMS assisted with the accident.  The accident remains under investigation.     

Drive Merry, Bright and Sober this Holiday Season

With the holidays in full swing, The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving. From Dec. 16 through Jan. 2, law enforcement across Illinois will step up enforcement efforts with a high visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.” traffic safety campaign.

“We want everyone in our communities to enjoy the holidays without worrying about the dangers of impaired drivers,” said Sheriff Brian VanVickle. “During the campaign, you can expect to see extra safety patrols. We will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to help ensure everyone makes it to and from their holiday festivities safely.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in 2020, a total of 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2020, with one person killed in an alcohol-related crash every 45 minutes in 2020.

Before the holiday fun begins, make a plan for a sober ride home and remember these tips.

• Designate a sober driver or make a plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and contact The Sheriff’s Office.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely. They’ll thank you later.
• Always buckle up!

The holiday enforcement campaign is administered by IDOT with federal highway safety funds managed by NHTSA.

Ogle County Sheriff’s Office releases Thanksgiving enforcement numbers

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic safety campaign from Nov. 18-28 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization was conducted by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to reduce highway fatalities. 

During the campaign, Sheriff’s Deputies issued 119 citations for offenses including:

• 4 DUI arrests
• 3 Felony drug arrests
• 1 Seat belt violation
• 6 Arrests for Suspended/revoked/no valid licenses
• 10 Citations to uninsured motorists
• 56 Citations for speed related violations
• 1 Reckless driving citation
• 2 Misdemeanor drug arrests
• 7 Citations for improper lane usage
• 7 Citations for suspended/revoked vehicle registrations
• 3 citations for Illegal Transportation of Alcohol
• 22 citations for other offenses

“Our officers patrol year-round to keep motorists buckled up and impaired drivers off the roads,” said Sheriff Brian VanVickle. “We do this to save lives and ensure all of us make it home safely at the end of the day.”

The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

On Tuesday 11/22/2022 at 1206 the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a vehicle pursuit southbound on IL Rt. 26 from Freeport.  The pursuit involved the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office and a white Mazda MX5. The pursuit continued south on IL Rt. 26 and then continued south on Freeport Rd.  In the area of Freeport Rd. and Milledgeville Rd. an Ogle County Deputy deployed stops stick in an effort to flatten the fleeing vehicle's tires and end the pursuit.  As the driver of the fleeing vehicle approached the Deputy he veered left in an attempt to strike the Deputy, who was on the shoulder of the opposite lane of traffic.  The Deputy was able to move out of the way of the fleeing vehicle.  A collision between the fleeing vehicle and a Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office occurred after the fleeing vehicle entered the roadway.

The driver of the fleeing vehicle, Brian Taylor 49 of Massillon, OH was taken into custody by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office.  Taylor was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder and is currently being held at the Ogle County Jail. 

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office completed the crash investigation and additional charges are pending in both Ogle and Stephenson County.  

On 11/22/2022 at approximately 0521 hours, Deputies responded to the 20,000 block of E. IL Rte. 38 in reference to two separate accidents.  Upon arrival, Deputies learned a black Infinity G35, driven by Giovanni Serrano, age 21 of Rochelle, was traveling westbound on IL Rte. 38 when he began to spin out of control before traveling off the north side of the roadway.  The vehicle then overturned several times before coming to rest on its side in a cornfield.  Serrano was transported to Rochelle Community Hospital by Rochelle EMS and later flown to St. Anthony’s Hospital for serious injuries.  Serrano was issued a citation for Improper Lane Usage.  This accident remains under investigation.  Deputies also learned of a second accident, which had occurred at the same location.  A gray Subaru SUV, driven by Damien Blake, age 30 of Rockford, was traveling westbound on IL Rte. 38 when it struck debris in the roadway from Serrano’s vehicle.  Blake then lost control of the vehicle and traveled off the south side of the roadway before coming to rest in a cornfield.  A passenger in the vehicle, Anton Baker, age 36 of Rockford, sustained minor injuries and was later transported to Rochelle Community Hospital by Rochelle EMS.  Creston Fire/EMS also assisted with both accidents.       

On 11/21/22 at approximately 0900 hours, Ogle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 6600 block of North Route 2.  After an investigation Christian Bejna, age 30 of Oregon was arrested for driving with a suspended license.  Bejna was given an I-bond for driving on a suspended license, and a verbal warning for operating an electronic device.  The vehicle was removed from the location by Nielson towing.  All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On 11/20/22 at approximately 0017 hours, Ogle County Deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident in the 900 block of North River Road.  Upon arrival, Deputies located a blue Chevrolet Cruze in the east ditch facing northwest with minor damage.  After investigation, Deputies determined the Chevrolet, being operated by 26-year-old Aaron T. Woods of Rockford, was traveling southbound on River Road.  Woods left the roadway on the southbound shoulder before over-correcting and entering back into the roadway.  Woods crossed over the center-dashed yellow line and into the northbound lane before losing control and entering the east ditch.  The Chevrolet struck a ditch/embankment causing minor damage to the vehicle.  

After further investigation, Woods was taken into custody for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis/Improper Container-Driver.  Woods was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Ogle County Jail, where he was held in lieu of bond.   

Woods was additionally cited for Improper Traffic Lane Usage, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident. 

 Arrive Safely This Thanksgiving: Buckle Up!

On 11/2/2022 at approximately 0815 hours, Deputies and Oregon Fire/EMS were dispatched to the intersection of IL Rte. 64 and Meridian Road in reference to a personal injury accident involving a semi and a truck.  Upon arrival deputies learned a black Chevrolet S10 pickup, driven by a 16 yr. old female Juvenile, was traveling eastbound on IL Rte. 64 when it began to turn northbound at the intersection directly in front of a White Mac Semi truck driven by Heenan Thier, age 47 of Amboy, which was traveling westbound on IL Rte. 64.  The semi truck then struck the Chevrolet on the front passenger side, causing the Chevrolet to travel into the south side ditch before coming to rest.  The semi truck also sustained disabling front end damage in the crash.  The juvenile was transported to Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford and was later transported to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago for serious injuries.  The accident remains under investigation.         

On 10/12/22 at approximately 2325 hours, Ogle County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of South Skare Road.  After a brief investigation, Deputies arrested David A. Horvath, age 53 of Ottumwa, Iowa, for Driving While License Suspended. Horvath was released on a $2,500.00 individual bond with a return court date set.  Horvath was also cited for No Valid Registration, Improper Display of Registration, and Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle. 

After a further investigation, Deputies also arrested Nikki L. Carr, age 37 of Ottomwa, Iowa, for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Violation of the Drug Paraphernalia Act.  Carr was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Ogle County Jail where she was held with no bond, pending an appearance before a judge.  All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On 10/02/2022, at approximately 0050 hours, Deputies conducted a traffic stop within the 15000 block of E. IL. Rt. 64 for a stop sign violation. After an investigation, Victor M. Solis, age 27 of Carol Stream, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.  Solis was additionally cited for disobeying a stop sign.  Solis was transported to the Ogle County Jail, where he was held in lieu of bond. All subjects are presumed innocent.​