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High Speed Early Morning Pursuit Ends With Two Damaged Squad Cars, Near Misses for Deputies and a Ton of Charges for the Suspect

By Tim Lee Feb 28, 2023 | 8:22 PM

Shortly before 3:00 am on Saturday, Ogle County Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 11000 block of N. Kennedy Hill Rd. Byron, IL on a GMC Envoy that was driving at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

The GMC refused to stop for deputies, and continued to flee southbound on N. IL RTE 2. Deputies deployed stop sticks, which were successful at deflating several of the tires on the tan GMC. This did not stop the vehicle as Deputies continued to pursue the GMC into Byron.

It turned south onto South Fox Run Lane and came to a stop on Deer Wood Ct where the driver refused to comply with deputies commands, almost struck several deputies, and struck a Byron Police Squad Car as it drove away.

Deputies continued to pursue northbound onto Creekside Dr. at which point the GMC pulled into a driveway, reversed, and then struck an Ogle County Squad Car.  Both squad cars sustained moderate damage after being struck.

Deputies continued to pursue westbound onto IL RTE 72, until the vehicle became disabled, just east of Leaf River. The driver was subsequently taken into custody and identified as 41-year-old Robert J. Murbach of Byron.

Murbach was treated on scene by Leaf River Fire/EMS, and transported to Swedish American Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained during the incident. Murbach was later transported to the Ogle County Jail. Murbach was charged with:

Aggravated Fleeing to Elude a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony)

Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property (over $500.00) (Class 3 Felony)

X4 counts Aggravated Assault to a Police Officer (Class A Misdemeanor)

Resisting or Obstructing a Police Officer (Class A Misdemeanor)

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony)

Aggravated DUI/License Revoked (Class 4 Felony)

Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer (Class 3 Felony)

 

Additionally, Murbach was issued the following citations:

DUI Alcohol/Intoxicating Compound

Failure to Reduce Speed/Too Fast for Conditions

Leaving the Scene

Speeding 35+ mph

Driving on a Revoked License

Fleeing/Attempt to Elude an Officer

Registration Light

Improper Traffic Lane Usage

Disregard a Stop Sign

Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle

Improper Turn Signal

The Byron Police Department and Leaf River Fire/EMS assisted deputies. The incident is still under investigation, with additional charges pending