Harrisburg man found guilty of fleeing and eluding police

A Saline County jury has found Jerry D. Leach, age 47, of Harrisburg, guilty July 19 of a Class 4 felony charge of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and a Class A misdemeanor charge of driving on a suspended license.

State's Attorney Jayson Clark handled the successful prosecution of the case, including trying the case before the jury.

According to Clark's office, on Oct. 3, 2016 Leach led officers of the Harrisburg Police Department and Saline County Sheriff's Department on a high-speed chase through residential Harrisburg streets. Leach had warrants for his arrest at the time and his driver's license had been suspended by the Illinois Secretary of State.

Class 4 felonies generally carry a possible sentence of 1 to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. However, because of Leach's criminal record, he is eligible for an extended term sentence of 1 to 6 years, according to Clark's office.

The investigation was led by Chief David Morris of the Harrisburg Police Department. Deputy Logan Leverett of the Saline County Sheriff's Department (now a Harrisburg police officer) assisted Chief Morris with the investigation.

Leach is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Walden E. Morris on Aug. 29.