CHESTER, ILLINOIS (NewsFirst) — On February 16, 2024, at approximately 07:10 am, an officer with the Chester Police Department attempted to stop a mini-van with two male occupants on Bridge Approach Road in Chester. The officer had prior knowledge that the driver of the van, 44-year-old Nathan Seyler of Chester, had felony warrants out of both Randolph and Monroe Counties.
The officer activated their emergency lights and siren and Seyler took off through Chester at a high rate of speed, disregarding all traffic control devices and then continued North on Route 3 at speeds in excess of 100 mph.
Near 9 Mile Creek a Randolph County Deputy attempted to deploy Stop-sticks but Seyler ran off the road to avoid them. Just North of Ruma, Seyler slowed to a stop and his passenger, identified as 43-year-old Ryan Hicks of Ellis Grove, exited the vehicle. Hicks then called 911 and advised them of his location, he was taken into custody without incident.
Seyler then continued North on Route 3 and then, just North of Stefani Road he turned into a field, he continued driving through the field until it crossed over Stefani Road where his vehicle came to a stop; he then exited his vehicle and after a short struggle he was taken into custody.
Seyler was transported to Memorial Hospital in Chester for minor injuries, after being treated, he was transported to the Randolph County Jail where he is facing multiple charges. Ryan Hicks was not charged in this incident. The Chester Police Department was assisted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, the Red Bud Police Department and the Illinois State Police.
