Police Identify Driver in Byron Pursuit and River Escape Attempt

BYRON — A 30-year-old Rockford man was arrested following a pursuit through Byron that ended with an attempted escape into the Rock River. Police said officers initially responded to reports of a reckless driver last Saturday on Illinois Route 2 and later located the vehicle entering the city, where it was observed allegedly crossing lane lines and striking a pedestrian sign before failing to stop. The driver reportedly fled from officers through residential streets, drove onto a sidewalk to avoid a squad car, and reached speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour in a posted 30 mile per hour zone before the pursuit was terminated near Kennedy Hill Road. Officers say they later located the vehicle along Route 2 and found the driver nearby, where he entered the Rock River and attempted to swim to an island before being taken into custody with assistance from multiple agencies. Authorities later identified the driver as Kyle Keith. He was treated at a hospital and transported to the Ogle County Jail. He faces charges including aggravated fleeing to elude, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and criminal damage to property.