Police: Man tried to run deputy over after high speed chase

A Chicago man faces numerous charges after police said he lead deputies on a high speed chase and tried to hit a deputy with his car Sunday evening.

According to criminal complaints, a Johnson County Deputy tried to pull over a vehicle driven by Ronnelle Thurman, 38. Deputies say he was driving recklessly on Interstate 380 southbound around 7:30 p.m.

Police said Thurman initially pulled over, but when the deputy got out of his squad car, Thurman drove off. Thurman then took police on a chase down Interstate 380, topping out at over 120 mph.

Police said he made lane changes, passed vehicles on the shoulder, and nearly caused a semi to jackknife.

Police said Thurman crashed his vehicle at the cloverleaf interchange with Interstate 80, but when the deputy got out of his patrol car, Thurman put his vehicle into drive and drove towards the deputy.

The deputy said he was able to get out of the way and said Thurman got stuck when a tire fell off his vehicle.

Thurman was ordered at gunpoint to exit the vehicle and he fought with the deputy when trying to get the seatbelt undone, according to police reports. Police said he continued to fight as the deputy and a North Liberty police officer cuffed him.

Police said Thurman smelled strongly of alcohol, but reused a breathalyzer and a urine sample at the hospital. Police also said a marijuana grinder was found inside his vehicle when it was impounded.

Thurman was charged with operating while intoxicated, eluding, assaulting police officers with a weapon, reckless driving, interference with official acts, and possession of drug paraphernalia.