A chaotic wrong-way drive on Interstate 88 ended in a rural roadside tackle Sunday afternoon, after deputies say a Chicago woman tried to carjack multiple drivers at gunpoint in Lee County on June 28. According to investigators, she bailed out of her car near Illinois Route 38, charged toward a line of occupied vehicles, and was taken down by an Amboy police officer before anyone in those cars was hurt. Authorities say she was then transported to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation, and a warrant for her arrest was issued the following day.
Charges and identity
Lee County deputies identified the suspect as 37-year-old Samara Russell of Chicago. According to a statement from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Russell faces a long list of felony counts, including three counts of attempted aggravated vehicular hijacking, two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, two counts of aggravated assault to a peace officer, two counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, two counts of resisting, an aggravated assault charge and a speeding citation. As reported by QCA.news, prosecutors will decide on formal charges as the case moves forward.
How deputies say the chase unfolded
Shortly after 1 p.m., deputies say calls came in about a driver heading east in the westbound lanes of I-88. The vehicle, described as a gray 2025 Hyundai, allegedly sideswiped another car, then left the interstate using the Franklin Road emergency access point. Illinois State Police attempted a traffic stop, but troopers later pulled back from the chase on the interstate for safety reasons. Law enforcement ultimately found the Hyundai on Illinois Route 38 near Detour Road, where several agencies converged. Those operational details were released by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and WIFR reports that the situation quickly escalated from traffic stop to roadside standoff.
Confrontation on Route 38
According to deputies, Russell initially refused orders to get out of the car. When she did step out, authorities say she pointed a handgun toward officers positioned at a distance, then moved toward nearby occupied vehicles while still holding the weapon. An Amboy police officer rushed in and tackled her before any drivers were harmed, and investigators say no civilians were struck during the confrontation. Law enforcement accounts note that Rock Falls police had earlier responded to a welfare check involving Russell. As reported by QCA.news, officers took her into custody after she received medical clearance.
Medical hold and next steps
Russell was transported to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation, and the sheriff’s office says a warrant for her arrest was issued on June 29. Once she is released from medical care, deputies say she will be booked into the Lee County Jail to await a detention hearing. Prosecutors have not offered any public explanation of a possible motive, and investigators say their work is not finished. According to WIFR, authorities are still gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
