ROYALTON, Ill. (WJPF) — Police are investigating a traffic crash involving a stolen vehicle.
It happened just before 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Route 149 and the Elkville Blacktop.
According to Illinois State Police, 26-year-old Derverz Thomas of Marion stole a 2016 Jeep Wrangler from Carbondale.
A Cambria Police Officer tried to pull over Thomas, but he would not stop.
Travelling northbound on Route 149, Thomas failed to negotiate a sharp curve and ran off the highway. He then drove through a grassy field, hit an embankment, and became airborne.
At the same time, 38-year-old John Chamess of Royalton was stopped at the stop sign on Elkville Road.
The stolen, airborne Jeep hit a combine head being pulled behind Chamness’ pickup.
Thomas was airlifted from the scene to an area hospital. Chamness refused medical treatment.
The incident is still under investigation.
