OREGON — On May 6 at 1:31 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop at Illinois Route 38 and Illinois Route 251. After a brief investigation, Deputies arrested Louquan Henderson, 21, of DeKalb, for driving while license suspended. Henderson was released on an individual bond with a future court date. Henderson was also issued a citation for suspended registration.

On May 6 at approximately 6:01 p.m. deputies responded to a driving complaint traveling westbound on Illinois Route 72 from the Byron area. Deputies located the vehicle and a traffic stop was performed near the intersection of Illinois Route 72 and Mt Morris Road. After further investigation, Orlando Dowell, 55, of Byron, was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Dowell was also cited for improper lane usage. Dowell was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond.

On May 6 at approximately 2:18 a.m. deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident in the 10,000 block of North Illinois Route 2. A preliminary investigation determined that a northbound vehicle being driven by Isaiah Webster, 20, of Rockford, failed to maintain lane usage and entered the oncoming lane of travel. The vehicle then collided with a guardrail on the west shoulder, sustaining major damage.  Webster was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Webster was also cited for improper lane usage and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Webster was transported to the Ogle County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond.

On May 6, the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received a 911 call at 2:32 p.m. in reference to heavy smoke coming from a house at 7029 W. Penn Corner Road in rural Polo. While en route to the location, fire personnel observed heavy smoke from a distance and requested a second alarm. Once on scene, it was determined the occupant of the residence was likely still in the residence and additional manpower was requested and the incident was escalated to the fourth alarm. At approximately 10 p.m. Frank L. Hatch, 68, was located deceased in the residence and transported to the Ogle County Coroner’s Office. Fire personnel remained on scene until 11:30 p.m.

The following agencies responded to the structure fire: Polo, Mt. Morris, Dixon Rural, Sterling, Oregon, Milledgeville, Forreston, Leaf River, Franklin Grove, Amboy, Chadwick, Advance Ambulance, Rochelle, Byron and Freeport Rural. The investigation regarding the cause of the fire is being conducted by the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and the death investigation is being conducted by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. No foul play is suspected at this time. 

On May 7 at approximately 5:43 p.m. deputies initiated a traffic stop on Illinois Route 64 near the intersection of Valentine Road. After an investigation, Mario Mendez, 35, of Oregon, was placed under arrest for no valid driver's license. Mendez was also cited for speeding. Mendez was released on scene pending a future court date. A passenger in the vehicle, Alexis Mendez, 34, of Oregon, was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol.

On May 7 at 12:07 a.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 11,000 block of East Illinois Route 38 for a traffic violation. After an investigation, Darrell D. Reed, 35, of Byron, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Reed was also issued a citation for improper lane usage. Reed was transported to the Ogle County Jail and held in lieu of bond.

All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty.