Springfield Man Who Led Police on Chase Charged with Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

Springfield, Ill. – A Springfield, Ill., man who led police on a chase through fields in southeastern Springfield on Sept. 1, 2015, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and illegal possession of firearms. Terell Adetunji, (a-de-TUHN-jee) 33, of the 1600 block of E. Georgia St., made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough. Adetunji was ordered to remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

According to the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, Adetunji possessed nearly two kilograms of cocaine, and at the time of his arrest, was under surveillance by law enforcement officers. When officers attempted to make contact with Adetunji in the Taco Bell parking lot on Toronto Rd., he allegedly drove away, hitting and damaging two unmarked police cars.

The affidavit alleges that Adetunji, who proceeded eastbound on Toronto Rd., at a high rate of speed, was swerving violently as he appeared to throw items from the car. Adetunji then drove through a soybean field and a cornfield before crossing the street into another cornfield.  At that point, the vehicle appeared to be severely damaged and was no longer running. According to the affidavit, Adetunji exited the vehicle and ran eastbound through the cornfield on foot until officers apprehended him on the University of Illinois-Springfield campus. The Springfield Fire Department was called after the car caught fire and ignited the cornfield.

Following the arrest, officers obtained and executed search warrants for various properties associated with Adetunji. According to the affidavit, among the items recovered were approximately 1,700 grams of cocaine, four firearms and various types of ammunition.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield Police Department, the Central Illinois Enforcement Group, and the Illinois State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Weir and Crystal C. Correa are prosecuting the case.

If convicted, the statutory penalty for possession of more than 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute is a mandatory minimum of five years in prison up to 40 years; for possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of any controlled substance, the penalty is up to 10 years in prison.

Members of the public are reminded that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.