A homeowner in Illinois tried to get the license plate of a driver who had just smashed into their mailbox. Instead of getting an apology, police say the homeowner ended up being chased and having a crossbow fired into their car.
The strange encounter happened Tuesday night, November 10, on West Lightsville Road near Leaf River. What began as a hit-and-run soon turned into something far more dangerous.
According to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, the driver who struck the mailbox took off. When the homeowner tried to identify the vehicle, the driver allegedly turned around and went after them.
Deputies eventually arrested Andrew Heidenreich, 22, of Forreston. He now faces several criminal charges, including drunk driving and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
A Wild Escalation
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The trouble began in the 7000 block of West Lightsville Road. According to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a call about a damaged mailbox at 9:18 p.m. The driver responsible had already left the scene.
The property owner wasn’t ready to let the matter go. As WTVO reported, the homeowner tried to get the vehicle’s license plate number to identify whoever had caused the damage.
That attempt soon took a frightening turn. Deputies say the other driver began pursuing the homeowner and fired a crossbow into their vehicle.
The confrontation grew worse when the suspect’s vehicle struck the homeowner’s car. The collision disabled the suspect’s vehicle, ending the pursuit.
The case also drew coverage from Rockford News First, which identified the person being pursued as the property owner.
Quite a List
After investigating, deputies arrested Heidenreich and charged him with DUI involving alcohol, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of criminal damage to property, and reckless driving.
Deputies also issued five traffic citations, adding to his legal trouble. Those included leaving the scene of a property-damage crash, failing to reduce speed, improper lane use, and operating a vehicle without insurance.
Heidenreich was also cited for having adult-use cannabis inside a motor vehicle. The sheriff’s statement did not say cannabis played a role in the DUI charge.
Booked By Dawn
Following his arrest, Heidenreich was taken by Forreston EMS to FHN Hospital in Freeport for treatment. Afterward, deputies transported him to the Ogle County Jail.
Booking records show that he arrived at the jail at 4:24 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11.
The sheriff’s office said Heidenreich was detained pending a court appearance. Forreston Fire and EMS also assisted deputies at the scene.
Heidenreich is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.