Police: homeowner chases trespassing juvenile in a utility vehicle, rear-ends the child’s dirt bike

LEE COUNTY, Ill. (WTVO) — The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested both Max Muetze, 38, and a juvenile after he chased teens on dirtbikes that were trespassing on his property and allegedly caused a crash.

On April 15th around 5:40 p.m., deputies responded to the 1000 block of Inlet Road for a trespassing call. While officials were en route, the homeowner followed one of three trespassers in a side-by-side utility vehicle, according to a Lee County press release.

According to police, the three juveniles were all on dirtbikes when they initially trespassed on Muetze’s land but split up in an attempt to flee.

The homeowner pulled up next to the child three times trying to get him to stop. The incident ended in Muetze rear-ending the trespasser’s dirt bike on the private property of the Richardson Wildlife Foundation.

The homeowner’s vehicle was damaged soon after the crash because he crashed into a tree. The juvenile also crashed the dirtbike and was taken to Mendota Hospital where they were treated and released.

Muetze is being charged with reckless driving, aggravated reckless driving and trespassing.

The juvenile will be issued an ordinance violation for trespassing at a later date.

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