Shortly after 11pm last night, a Kankakee County Sheriff’s Deputy observed an unregistered motorized, mini-bike traveling east on East Court St.  As the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver of the mini-bike fled and attempted to elude the deputy in the area of the Crestlane Apartments.  After a brief pursuit, the driver, later identified as 18-year-old, Leiviy C. McAtee, of Kankakee, lost control of the mini-bike as he attempted to cross a curb and subsequently fled on foot.  McAtee was taken into custody a short distance away and deputies located a loaded firearm with a defaced serial number.

McAtee was transported to the Jerome Combs Detention Center where he is currently incarcerated on the following charges:
          * Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon/Loaded/No FCCA/FOID
          * Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon/Person/<21
          * Attempting to Flee/Elude a Peace Officer
          * Resisting a Peace Officer
          * Deface Firearm ID Markings
          * No Valid Registration/1^st and 2^nd

“It’s extremely discouraging that these types of incidents and encounters, particularly with such young defendants, are becoming all too common,” said Sheriff Mike Downey.  “While I attempt to remain optimistic that this troubled individual will receive the justice he deserves, I am extremely grateful that the defaced firearm in his possession was removed from our streets preventing any future violence it may have been involved with in the future.”