A high-speed pursuit involving a Menard County Sheriff's Deputy on March 22 culminated in the arrest of Matthew S. Leonard, 54, of Springfield.

The incident began around 9:37 p.m. when a deputy observed a vehicle speeding at 80 mph in a 50 mph zone on IL 123, east of Petersburg. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to comply, leading to a chase that reached speeds over 115 mph.

The pursuit continued through several roads, including IL 29 and Andrew Road, before entering Springfield. It was terminated near Veterans Parkway and J. David Jones Parkway by a supervisor. Deputies later located the vehicle at the registered owner's address, where Leonard was found standing by the car. Upon seeing the deputy, Leonard entered the vehicle and attempted to close the garage door on the deputy's squad car.

Despite multiple commands to exit the vehicle, Leonard resisted both verbally and physically. Additional deputies and the sheriff arrived, and Leonard was eventually removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Leonard is currently held in the Menard County Jail, facing 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, and resisting or obstructing a peace officer. He also faces citations for speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign, driving in the wrong lane, reckless driving, driving while license revoked, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

The Menard County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude to the Springfield Police Department for their assistance. Leonard is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.