LEE COUNTY — At approximately 2:23 p.m. Aug. 5, the Lee County Sheriff’s Department received information from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department that an individual, identified as Randall S. Stiles, had started a barn on fire within DeKalb County. 

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department advised that they had charges for arson on Stiles and wanted him taken into custody, if located. The Lee County Sheriff’s Department was also informed that Stiles had started a fire at a Wal-Mart in Kendall County as well. Further information was received that Stiles had threatened to drive into a bridge and also advised that he wanted to be involved in a “shoot-out with law enforcement.” 

DeKalb County was able to provide Lee County Sheriff’s Department with the vehicle information that Stiles was driving and last known location near Locust Road and Perry Road within Lee County.

Lee County Sheriff Deputies were able to locate the vehicle traveling westbound on Route 38, toward Dixon.  The Lee County Sheriff Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, but Stiles failed to stop.  As the pursuit continued toward the City of Dixon, officers were able to deploy spike stripes near IL Route 38 and Nachusa Road.  Due to the deployment of the spike strips, the vehicle exited the roadway and entered a cornfield to the north of the roadway.

At that point, Stiles exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. Stiles was then transported to the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office subsequently charged Stiles with driving under the influence, combination alcohol and drugs, and fleeing to elude. Once processed at the Lee County Jail, Stiles was released to the custody of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. 

The charges are merely an allegation, and all parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.