Bureau County Sheriff’s Office Looking into Reported Tool Theft

The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office is looking into an alleged tool theft in rural Mendota.

Bureau County Sheriff Jim Reed said the investigation is ongoing at the address, which used to be the old Ox Bow near the LaSalle and Bureau County line. More than $10,000 worth of tools were reported missing from the Meridian Road address.

Reed said he was unable to comment much beyond that as it is still early in the investigation.

Motorcycle Crash sends Rider to Peoria Hospital

A LaSalle man is hospitalized in a Peoria hospital – his condition unknown –  following an accident Friday near Tonica.

Fifty-two year old Jeffery Van-Ostram of La Salle was driving a motorcycle south on 251 in Eden township when he pulled out to pass a car. It was at that point, according to the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, that the car driven by 69-year old Carol Ginger from Texas tried to turn left onto North 23 Road.

Van-Ostram had to be taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru where he was taken via Life Flight to Peoria. OSF Peoria cannot release his condition.

Troy Grove Rollover Injures Teen Friday

A 17-year old girl was hospitalized after a crash that took place in Troy Grove on Friday.

According to LaSalle County Deputies, the girl was going north on East 4^th Road when she drove onto the shoulder and tried to correct the car. She swerved off the road into the ditch, where the car rolled, crossing over the North 3809^th Road landing in the northeast field.

The girl had to be taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital with unknown injuries.

Saturday accidents send 4 to hospitals

1 accident north of Mendota lead to another Saturday morning resulting in several persons going to the hospital.

Mendota paramedic RandySimpson said his crew was called to the site  2 miles south of the PawPaw exit on northbound I-39 at 8:55am. Simpson said a pickup style truck pulling a trailer of some type tipped over blocking the road. According to Simpson,  the 2 occupants required extrication and were taken to the Rochelle hospital.

And, while EMS and police were tending to the first accident, 2 cars collided nearby in the southbound lanes.  The drivers from each car were transported to OSF ST. Paul’s at Mendota.  Lee County Sheriff’s office handled both accidents and have not issued a report yet.

Two Arrested after Peru Park Fight Face at least Ten Years in Prison

The man who fired a gun during an altercation at 28^th Street Park in Peru will need to come up with $100,000 to get out of jail.

According to the NewsTribune, 19-year old Mitchell Hampton had his first court appearance yesterday. There, he found out he’s facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the most serious of 3 felonies against him. Hampton told police he fired the gun into the air and not at anyone.

Also in court was the other man held after Wednesday’s rumble. Twenty-one year old Floyd Campbell from Peru will need $10,000 cash to get out of jail. He’s being charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, after police allegedly found brass knuckles in his possession during the fight. He faces up to 10 years if convicted.

Campbell’s next court date is June 30^th, while Hampton will be returning to court 2 days later.