Two Arrested After Early Morning Pursuit on Interstate 65

Pursuit occured after car failed to stop during traffic stop

Clark County - Thursday, December 12, 2024: An early morning, high-speed pursuit ended with the arrest of two Illinois women after the vehicle failed to stop on I-65.  

Around 1:20 Thursday morning, Trooper Wyatt Madden observed a Ford Mustang traveling at high speeds on I-65 southbound near the 12.5 mile marker. Trooper Madden clocked the vehicle at 90mph in a posted 70mph zone and attempted a traffic stop; however, the vehicle accelerated as it continued southbound. The Mustang reached 130mph before eventually coming to a stop near the 9.5 mile marker where Trooper Madden attempted to contact the driver. The driver then sped off from the scene and exited onto U.S. 31 northbound from the Sellersburg exit.

The driver, later identified as Lux Espranza Arellano, 22, of Saint Charles, Illinois, disregarded stop signs and traffic lights along U.S. 31 as she continued northbound. Arellano continued driving northbound on U.S. 31 at speeds more than 100mph. Arellano crossed over the center line multiple times and disregarded additional stop signs and red signal lights as the pursuit approached Scott County.  

Trooper Jason Riley successfully deployed Stop Sticks at the intersection of U.S. 31 and West County Line Road, deflating two of the car's tires. The Mustang eventually came to a stop near Craig Road and U.S 31 in Scott County, where Arellano and her passenger were taken into custody without further incident.  Both Arellano and her passenger were transported to the Scott County Jail.  Their charges are listed below.  

Lux Espranza Arellano, 22, Saint Charles, Illinois:
Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle
Possession of Marijuana
Reckless Driving
Suspended Vehicle Registration
Operator Never Licensed

Kassandra Soto Lopez, 23, Elgin, Illinois:
Possession of Marijuana