A 38-year-old man from Lee County, Illinois, is facing serious charges after a dangerous chase involving juveniles on dirt bikes. The incident, which happened on Monday evening in a rural part of the county, has raised concerns about how far someone can go to protect their property.
What Happened in Lee County?
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Max Muetze saw three juveniles riding dirt bikes near his property on the 1000 block of Inlet Road. Believing they were trespassing, Muetze decided to follow them in his side-by-side utility vehicle.
As the chase continued, the juveniles realized they were being followed and decided to split up in different directions. However, Muetze allegedly kept following one of them. Officials say the chase covered about three miles and ended on land belonging to the Richardson Wildlife Foundation — private property that neither Muetze nor the juveniles had permission to enter.
Dangerous Encounter Leads to Crash
Investigators say that during the chase, Muetze tried to stop the juvenile multiple times by pulling up next to the dirt bike. After several failed attempts, Muetze reportedly rear-ended the dirt bike with his utility vehicle. This caused the juvenile to crash, and Muetze also lost control, hitting a tree near Schmitt Road and Fell Road.
Injuries and Legal Actions
The juvenile was taken by ambulance to Mendota Hospital. Fortunately, they were treated for their injuries and later released. However, both Muetze and the juvenile are now facing legal consequences.
Charges Against Max Muetze:
- Reckless Driving
- Aggravated Reckless Driving
- Ordinance Violation for Trespassing
Action Against the Juvenile:
- Ordinance Violation for Trespassing
Sheriff’s Office Seeking Information
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the case. They are asking anyone with more information about the incident to call them at 815-284-6631.
This incident highlights how quickly things can escalate when someone takes the law into their own hands. While property owners have rights, dangerous chases and collisions put everyone at risk. Authorities are now handling the situation, and both sides will have to face the legal consequences of their actions. This serves as a reminder to handle disputes calmly and to call law enforcement if there are issues with trespassing or property violations.
