DIXON – Members of the Dixon Police Department, Illinois State Police, Lee County Emergency Management Agency, Bureau County Emergency Management Agency, Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Amboy Fire Department, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office and Lee County Sheriff’s Office are actively looking for a fugitive who was involved in a police pursuit that originated in Rock Falls.  The subject, Donald E. Powell, struck a Lee County squad car and then fled on foot.

Powell was last seen in the area of Progress Drive and Dutch Road in Dixon, Lee County.  Powell has an active, nationwide warrant out of Indiana.

Powell is a black male, 34 years of age, weighs approximately 135 pounds, with long dreadlocks, wearing a black hoodie with pink writing, with a tattoo located on his left arm.  A recent photo was sent to the media and placed on social media.

Powell may be armed and if seen, please call 911. Do not approach him.

UPDATE – AUG. 7

Powell has not been located after an exhaustive search of over four townships in the area of the crash. The search involved the use of Drones by the Emergency Management Agencies in Lee and Bureau counties, as well as Amboy Fire Department and Ogle County Sheriff’s Office; K-9s from Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Dixon PD and ISP District 15; Bloodhounds from the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, ISP Air Operations; multiple agency personnel from the Sauk Valley area.

The search will continue with staff from ISP, Dixon PD and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Evidence of Powell’s route of avoiding custody was located and indications are that he may have made his way to a nearby roadway, gaining some form of transportation.

Sheriff Simonton appreciates everyone’s patience and cooperation with this incident. He asks that residents remain aware of their surroundings and report any possible sighting of Powell to the Lee County 911 Center. Powell is considered armed and dangerous. He may also be injured from the crash.

The Deputy involved in the crash, thankfully, did not receive life-threatening injuries. He was transported to KSB Hospital and later released.