Wanted Rockford man fled officers while a 5-year-old child was in the car: Police

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested Maleek Chatman, 27, for fleeing from an unmarked police vehicle while a 5-year-old child was inside, court records show.

On March 12, Specialized Community Oriented Police Enforcement (SCOPE) officers were on patrol near North Central and Auburn Street when they saw a Volkswagen Passat driving 60 mph in a 30 mph zone, police reported.

The suspect turned quickly into a driveway in the 3600 block of Liberty Drive and continued fleeing through yards leading him back to North Central Drive, authorities said.

Officials found a 5-year-old child in the car after taking Chatman into custody.

Chatman was wanted in Winnebago County, according to court documents.

The suspect admitted to authorities he was fleeing because of his warrant and because he was driving with a revoked license.

Chatman is charged with aggravated fleeing from police while going 21 mph over the limit, improper turn signal use, driving on a revoked license and endangering a child.