Waukegan man arrested after high-speed chase, found with pot and stolen credit cards: sheriff

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. - A high-speed chase in Lake County ended in an arrest Tuesday night after a driver fled from a traffic stop and was later found hiding in a wooded area with weed and stolen credit cards, authorities said.

What we know:

Around 9 p.m., a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a red Chevrolet sedan for speeding on Route 41 near Wadsworth Road.

The driver, identified as 28-year-old Shelmar K. Mays, Jr., initially pulled into a gas station before speeding away northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 41.

Deputies later found the abandoned car near Kelly Road and Mill Creek Road. A 911 caller then reported seeing two people running across the tollway.

With the help of a Gurnee Police K9 and a Libertyville Police drone, officers located Mays and a 22-year-old woman hiding in a tree line.

Mays was allegedly in possession of multiple baggies of marijuana and numerous credit cards belonging to other people. His vehicle was seized, and deputies are hoping to obtain a search warrant for further investigation.

Shelmar K. Mays, Jr.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released details about how Mays obtained the credit cards.

The identity of the 22-year-old passenger is unknown, and her potential involvement remains under investigation.

What's next:

Mays, of Waukegan, faces the following charges:

• Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver
• Obstructing Justice
• Driving While License Revoked
• Fleeing to Elude
• Reckless Driving
• Numerous Traffic Violations

He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning. The investigation is ongoing.