A Peoria man is facing felony charges in Woodford County after he attempted to flee from a traffic stop into the flooded Illinois River.
Woodford County Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword said Anthony Huynh, 23, was pulled over on Route 23 near Roanoke Concrete around 10 p.m. Thursday on a traffic violation.
Huynh fled the scene in his vehicle as a deputy approached on foot. A car chase continued until Huynh drove his vehicle onto Collins Lane, which is currently closed off to traffic due to river flooding. Tipsword said Huynh drove his vehicle into the river.
The deputy made an unsuccessful attempt to chase Huynh into the river on foot before calling in the Fon du Lack Park District Police boat patrol for help. Deputies followed wet footprints exiting the river on Sunset Drive, three-quarters of a mile away from the submerged vehicle. Huynh was found hiding under a parked truck in a driveway.
Huynh was arrested for aggravated fleeing, possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, and possession of a stolen vehicle. He's in the Woodford County Jail awaiting a bond hearing. He's also being held on an outstanding Nevada warrant.
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