ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Leroy Sams, 31, and Martez Flint, 30, were arrested late on June 25th by Rockford SCOPE Officers and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies after a high-speed pursuit. Sams faces charges such as armed habitual criminal, armed violence, unlawful weapon use, drug violations, aggravated fleeing, and driving with a revoked license. Flint is charged with criminal damage to state property and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
The incident unfolded when police initiated a traffic stop near Rural and Prospect around 11:15 p.m. The vehicle, driven by Sams, attempted to evade capture, prompting a pursuit that later led authorities to relocate the vehicle near 20th Street and Wesleyan Avenue. Here, police made an effort to immobilize the car.
According to a statement released by the Rockford Police Department, Sams abandoned his vehicle in the 1700 block of Samuelson Road and swiftly entered another car, driven by Flint, traveling in the opposite direction. In a desperate attempt to escape, Flint collided with the front of a squad car before both suspects were apprehended.
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During the arrest, law enforcement recovered a loaded handgun and cocaine, adding to the severity of the charges against Sams. The RPD’s detailed account underscores the intensity and complexity of the operation undertaken by SCOPE Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies to bring the situation under control.
