Two suspects have been arrested in Knox County, Illinois, following a string of vehicle thefts across Knox, Whiteside, and Fulton Counties.
According to court documents, the series of thefts began on October 20, when a side-by-side vehicle was reported stolen in Gilson, Illinois. Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle the following evening, but it fled into a cornfield.
On October 22, deputies discovered a vehicle fire along Illinois Route 97 and Knox Road 300 N, later identifying the burned vehicle as the stolen side-by-side. The same day, a truck and trailer were reported stolen from Maquon, Illinois, and subsequently observed on Flock cameras around Canton, Illinois, before being spotted in East Peoria on October 23.
In coordination with local departments, East Peoria Police discovered the stolen truck and trailer in Peoria on October 24. Officers observed a suspect fleeing from the driver’s seat, abandoning the vehicle. With the help of local residents’ video footage, two suspects were identified by Knox County Detectives.
On October 25, detectives located the suspects in McDonough County, where they were found in possession of another stolen vehicle and camper. During questioning, it was determined they had been involved in multiple thefts across three counties, including a side-by-side, camper, truck, and trailer. The suspects were also found with methamphetamine in their possession.
Charges:
David A. Hammack, 35, faces charges including:
- Three counts of Motor Vehicle Theft
- Arson (Damage to Real/Personal Property over $150)
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer
- Methamphetamine Possession
Sara J. Becker, 43, is charged with:
- Three counts of Motor Vehicle Theft
- Arson (Damage to Real/Personal Property over $150)
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer
- Methamphetamine Possession
Hammack’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 27. Becker is awaiting her initial court appearance. All stolen property has been successfully recovered, according to officials.
