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GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) — A dramatic car chase involving federal immigration authorities culminated in several arrests at a high school in the northern suburbs on Thursday morning, according to Gurnee police.
Authorities in Gurnee reported that they were alerted early Thursday about a pursuit led by federal law enforcement. The chase involved individuals in a vehicle who had been previously deported for committing felony offenses.
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The pursuit, which lasted approximately 10 minutes, began in an area outside of Gurnee and led to several vehicular accidents, the police confirmed.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident began when Border Patrol agents attempted a traffic stop on Dugdale Road.
Shortly after 8:20 a.m., the vehicle fleeing from authorities was traveling at high speed westbound on Grand Avenue. The chase took a turn when the vehicle lost a tire near the intersection of First Street, police stated.
The tire hit a vehicle traveling east on Grand.
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The suspect vehicle continued west on Grand before turning south onto O’Plaine Road, near the entrance to Warren Township High School’s O’Plaine Campus.
Those in the vehicle got out and ran toward the school, police said.
One suspect entered the school and was detained by federal agents; the other was taken into custody outside the school.
Gurnee police were not involved in the chase or arrests.
A School Resource Officer helped to secure the campus, and a lockdown was not required, police said.
“The Gurnee Police Department understands that developing situations of this nature can be alarming to students, staff, and parents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported for anyone on campus or to motorists in the area. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Warren Township High School staff, students, and parents for their cooperation and patience throughout the incident,” police said.
DHS said the two suspects have criminal histories that include kidnapping, domestic violence, drug possession, driving under the influence and more.