Plainfield police make fifth arrest in street racing investigation

A fifth man has surrendered to the Plainfield police in connection with an extensive ongoing investigation into street racing in the village.

Ian Whelton, 26, of the 1000 block of Roosevelt Road, Machesney Park, turned himself in Monday, according to a news release from the Plainfield Police Department.

Machesney Park is a village near Rockford.

Whelton was charged with street racing, and his bond was set at $2,500. He posted bond and was released. The 26-year-old was the fifth man taken into custody in connection with a Plainfield police and Will County State’s Attorney’s Office investigation into alleged criminal activity related to “dangerous operation of motor vehicles” discovered on social media.

Paul R. Powell, 35, of Plainfield and Timothy J. Hagan, 47, of Darien previously were the first arrested and charged with street racing.

Powell's bond for release from jail was set at $400,000, but it was later lowered to $150,000. Powell ran a popular YouTube channel called FamilyCruisin that featured him driving a Dodge Challenger Hellcat until it caught fire.

Joseph N. Lukas, 36, of Romeoville and Steven J. Fredenhagen, 41, of Plainfield also surrendered to Plainfield police and were charged with street racing. Several other arrest warrants were said to have been issued.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Plainfield police traffic Sgt. Eric Munson at 815-267-7238.