Armed Man Taken Into Custody After 26-Mile Chase, 2-Hour Standoff
An armed West Chicago man wanted on drug charges was taken into custody Friday (Jan. 3, 2020) after a three-county chase and two-hour standoff with sheriff’s deputies.
According to a Kane County Sheriff’s Office news release, Joshua Lee Grote, 40, wanted on a $1 million arrest warrant for delivery of controlled substance in LaSalle County, fled police who tried to pull him over near IL Route 47 and Jericho Road in Sugar Grove Township.
Kane County sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop Grote’s vehicle at around 3:15 p.m. Friday, but he refused to pull over and a pursuit ensued through southern Kane County, through Kendall County, and into LaSalle County.
Sheriff’s Office officials said Grote pulled to the side of the road in the 4700 block of East 23rd Road in unincorporated Sandwich. Grote threatened that he had a firearm and remained in his vehicle.
A standoff ensued for almost two hours as law enforcement from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, Sandwich and Leland police departments assisted at the scene while deputies negotiated with Grote for his surrender.
Grote was peacefully taken into custody without incident at about 6 p.m.
“The investigation continues and Grote may face additional charges in Kane and LaSalle counties,” Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said in a news release.
Charges against Grote are not proof of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
SOURCE: Kane County Sheriff’s Office news release