Ogle sheriff: Mt. Morris man climbs tree fleeing from police

MT. MORRIS – A 37-year-old Mt. Morris man was arrested Monday after attempts to elude police, including climbing a tree, were foiled by deputies, a dog and a drone.

Jonathan P. Parker was charged with aggravated fleeing to elude and possession of methamphetamine; he also was wanted on an Ogle County warrant for mob action.

The incident started around 8:15 p.m. when Ogle County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop Parker’s car on Ridge Road, west of Oregon, for speeding.

Parker fled south on Ridge Road before stopping south of the intersection of Ridge and Pines roads and fleeing on foot.

“An exhaustive area search was conducted using the Sheriff’s Office K9 as well as a drone, and the suspect was located hiding approximately 30 feet off the ground in a tree,” the sheriff’s department said in a news release.

Parker also was charged with burglary and burglary from a motor vehicle, the result of a prior investigation.

Two passengers, Angela M. Baker, 35, of Dixon, and Sierra N. Piester, 27, of Prophetstown, also were charged with possession of methamphetamine, and Baker also was wanted in Lee County for possession of dangerous drugs.

All three were taken to Ogle County jail.