Granite City Police Chase Ends in Tragic Fatal Collision

Granite City, IL – A high-speed chase by Granite City Police ended in tragedy on Thursday evening with the death of 22-year-old Gerald D. Lewallen III from Pontoon Beach. The incident began when officers observed Lewallen speeding southbound on Illinois 3 around 8:05 p.m.

According to authorities, the driver of the Dodge Ram pickup truck refused to stop for law enforcement, prompting the police to initiate a pursuit. However, due to Lewallen’s dangerous driving behavior and excessive speed, the police decided to terminate the chase to prevent potential harm to the public.

Tragically, shortly after the chase was called off, Lewallen lost control of his vehicle and crashed at Niedringhaus Road near 16th Street. The Madison County Coroner’s office confirmed that Lewallen died at the scene of the accident.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit. The Granite City Police Department has not released further details about the pursuit or the exact circumstances leading up to the crash.

This tragic event highlights the risks involved in high-speed pursuits and the difficult decisions law enforcement officers must make to balance public safety with apprehending suspects. The investigation aims to provide a clearer understanding of the events that led to Lewallen’s fatal crash.

Community members are urged to cooperate with the investigation by providing any information or eyewitness accounts that might aid in understanding the incident. Authorities have emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to traffic laws to prevent such tragedies.

The loss of Gerald D. Lewallen III is a devastating reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining road safety. As the investigation continues, thoughts and condolences are extended to Lewallen’s family and friends during this difficult time.