Suspect at large after stealing, crashing Illinois deputy's cruiser

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BY PCC STAFF

LEE COUNTY - An 18-year old man is being sought by local law enforcement after crashing a Hancock County sheriff's cruise and fleeing on foot in Keokuk.

Hancock County Sheriff, Scott Bentzinger reported that on Wednesday at about 11 p.m. a deputy stopped a car driven by Ethan Walte, near Broadway and 8th Street in Hamilton, Illinois.

Walte was arrested on a felony warrant from Iowa for Violation of Probation for Burglary.

According to Bentzinger Walte was handcuffed behind his back and placed inside the deputy's patrol vehicle. While the deputy was securing Walte's vehicle, Walte was able to get his handcuffed hands in front of his body and climb through the security partition in the patrol vehicle.

Walte then allegedly fled the scene driving the deputy's patrol vehicle. The deputy attempted to get Walte out of the driver's seat as he sped off but the deputy was thrown to the pavement receiving minor injuries.

Bentzinger reported that Walte sped across the bridge from Hamilton to Keokuk and crashed the patrol vehicle into a parked vehicle near 14th Street and Franklin Street in Keokuk. He fled that scene on foot and remains at large.

The patrol vehicle and the parked vehicle received moderate damage.

Walte is listed as 18 years old, a white male, 5'06", 135 lbs is wanted on numerous criminal charges.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement with any information regarding Waite's whereabouts.

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Hamilton Police Dept., Keokuk Police Dept., Lee County Sheriff's Office, Iowa State Patrol and Hancock County State's Attorney Rachel Mast.

All subjects are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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