GODFREY/HAMEL - Madison County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a suspect on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, after a pursuit that crossed multiple jurisdictions and ended at the Love’s Truck Stop in Hamel, Illinois, where authorities said the suspect fled on foot, attempted to hijack an occupied vehicle, and was taken into custody.
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Madison County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Marcos Pulido said deputies first responded at about 3:06 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to Walmart in Godfrey after asset protection staff reported that a suspect vehicle linked to a prior retail theft investigation was on the property, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. As deputies arrived, the suspect fled in a black Ford Mustang, prompting a brief pursuit that deputies later terminated.
Pulido said investigators continued working the case and identified the suspect, authorities said. Pulido said the suspect was involved in other criminal investigations, including several other retail theft incidents in Litchfield. As the investigation progressed, authorities also learned the suspect had recently spray-painted the vehicle to alter its appearance.
At about 5:07 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, a Madison County Sheriff's deputy spotted the suspect and vehicle in Worden, authorities said. The suspect fled again, leading to a second pursuit that continued because there was minimal vehicle traffic in the area, he said.
Police departments from the area assisted as the pursuit moved through Livingston, New Douglas, Alhambra and Hamel. During the chase, tire deflation devices were deployed and eventually disabled the vehicle’s tires, bringing the car to a stop at the entrance to the Love’s Truck Stop in Hamel.
The suspect then ran from the vehicle, and deputies pursued him on foot, Pulido said. During the foot pursuit, the suspect ran toward an occupied vehicle at the gas pumps and attempted to hijack it before a deputy caught up with him and apprehended him.
A witness in the Love’s parking lot reported that the suspect pointed what appeared to be a firearm at her while fleeing on foot, Pulido said.
"Officers, assisted by a Collinsville Police Department K9 unit, conducted an extensive search of the area, but no firearm was recovered," Pulido added.
The suspect was being held at the Madison County Jail pending a felony warrant application with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Pulido said no one was injured in the pursuit.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is available.
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