SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — A routine traffic stop escalated into a high-speed pursuit and felony drug arrest on March 22, ending with the arrest of Matthew S. Leonard, 54, of Springfield.
Around 9:37 p.m., a Menard County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted a vehicle traveling at 80 mph in a 50 mph zone on IL 123, just east of Petersburg. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, initiating a chase that reached speeds of over 115 mph.
The pursuit spanned multiple roads—including IL 29 and Andrew Road—before entering Springfield city limits. It was eventually terminated near Veterans Parkway and J. David Jones Parkway for safety reasons.
Deputies later located the vehicle at the registered owner’s address, where Leonard was found standing beside the car. As officers approached, Leonard entered the vehicle and tried to close the garage door on a squad car. He then resisted arrest both verbally and physically, according to authorities.
Backup units and the sheriff responded to the scene. Leonard was forcibly removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. A search of his car revealed a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine along with drug paraphernalia.
Leonard now faces a long list of charges, including:
Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Resisting or obstructing a peace officer
He also received citations for speeding, reckless driving, failure to stop at a stop sign, driving in the wrong lane, driving on a revoked license, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
Leonard is currently being held in the Menard County Jail. The Menard County Sheriff’s Office extended its thanks to the Springfield Police Department for their support during the incident.
As always, Leonard is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
