By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD — Two people were jailed Thursday night after allegedly hijacking a vehicle and leading Rockford Police officers on a chase.

Police spokesmen say the incident unfolded around 7:30 p.m. in the area of Lexington Avenue and Preston Street when three suspects approached a vehicle that was at a stop sign.

One of the suspects hit the female driver with a gun and forced her out of the vehicle before three got in and fled the scene.

Police later spotted the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on U.S. Hwy 20 near 11th Street. The suspects fled at a high rate of speed and officers pursued. The chase ended when the suspects crashed trying to exit onto East State Street from I-90.

The suspects were taken into custody after a foot chase. A Rockford Police K-9 was used to apprehend one of the suspects, and a loaded firearm was recovered.

Soldier Perkins, 19, of Rockford, is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated vehicular hijacking, resisting police,aggravated fleeing to elude and fleeing to elude. He is being held without bond.

A 16-year-old male is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated vehicular hijacking and resisting police.

Charges are pending against the third male who suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash. R.