Wilmington, Illinois Residents Told To Stay Inside During Manhunt

Wilmington (population 5,724), in Will County, is approximately 60 miles southwest from downtown Chicago. 

Authorities said multiple agencies are conducting an active manhunt for the suspect in the Northcrest area of Wilmington, that started around 4am Wednesday.

It all started when just before midnight, an armed carjacking occurred in Calumet City. The vehicle was spotted by Dolton police around 1am Wednesday, which instigated a police chase that eventually stretched about 30 miles to Wilmington.

The two suspects ventured onto Interstate 57, and before long, Illinois State Police and other agencies joined in the pursuit. Police said the offenders were traveling over 100 miles an hour at times.

WGN News:

The pursuit ended after the two offenders crashed through a fence in a subdivision. The two then fled on foot.

A homeowner, who wants to remain anonymous, confronted one of suspects who came into his home.

The homeowner said his dog alerted him of a possible intruder, so he grabbed his gun and called out, "if someone is inside the house leave now." The suspect allegedly yelled back at the man, and said, "I'm not leaving!"

That's when the homeowner fired one shot at the suspect. The suspect then allegedly told the homeowner "I don't want to die tonight," and left out the back door.

Police were able to capture the suspect soon after that encounter. The other suspect remains at large.

Residents in the area have been asked to stay in their homes as police conduct the search, and all Wilmington schools are on a delayed start.