Vehicle Crashes After Police Chase in Illinois, Hits Woman Pumping Her Gas

A woman was sent to the hospital over New Years' Eve weekend after a vehicle that was fleeing from Rockford Police crashed into the gas pump where she was fueling up.

According to a press release from the Rockford PD, the pursuit began after officers attempted a traffic stop last Friday (12/30) at N. Rockton and Auburn Street when the suspect(s) "fled at a high rate of speed."

Officers found the vehicle only moments later after it crashed at the On-The-Way gas station at 2627 Auburn Street.

In the report, Rockford Police say the suspect's vehicle lost control and "collided with a vehicle and a pedestrian who was parked at a gas pump."

The woman struck by the fleeing vehicle was taken to a Rockford hospital for what police say were non-life-threatening injuries and all 3 occupants of the suspect vehicle were detained by Rockford Police.

During an investigation of the crash scene, officers were able to recover the following from the vehicle that fled from police:

• a loaded handgun
• ammunition
• over eight grams of cocaine
• three grams of cannabis
• drug paraphernalia
• open bottle of vodka
• cash

The driver of the vehicle that ran from police was arrested after being treated for injuries sustained in the crash. He was identified as 43-year-old Nathan Batson of Rockford who is now detained at the Winnebago County Jail with 10 charges including unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, 2 counts of aggravated battery, and 2 counts of criminal damage to property.

There were no charges listed against the other occupants in the suspects vehicle.