Lake County Gazette

A man was taken into custody after leading police on a chase involving multiple agencies. On July 16, 2025, at around 5:35 p.m., a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy identified Felix Guadarrama, 31, of Waukegan, driving a GMC Envoy westbound on Grand Avenue near Route 21 in Gurnee. Earlier that day, Guadarrama had been seen in Mundelein inside a stolen Ford Explorer and was reportedly armed.

The stolen vehicle evaded several police agencies before being found abandoned in Lake Forest the previous afternoon. Investigators discovered that Guadarrama left the Explorer and got into the GMC Envoy. When the deputy attempted to stop the Envoy, Guadarrama fled due to his possible involvement with a firearm and vehicle theft.

As Guadarrama approached Grand Avenue and Dilley’s Road, he sideswiped two vehicles at low speeds while trying to navigate through traffic. Despite losing its front left tire, the GMC continued for about 20 minutes until it collided with a Toyota Camry at Glen Flora Road and Lewis Avenue in Waukegan.

Guadarrama and his passenger, Brianna Koch, 22, of Lake Villa, fled on foot but were apprehended after a brief chase. Deputies used a taser on Guadarrama during his arrest due to resistance. The Toyota driver sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized.

Koch was found with approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine and 10 grams of cocaine. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges against Koch for unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 1 Felony) and cocaine (Class 4 Felony). Guadarrama faces four counts of aggravated fleeing to elude (Class 3/4 Felonies) along with numerous traffic infractions. Additional charges may follow.

Both remain in custody at the Lake County Jail awaiting an initial court hearing this morning. It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Information from this article can be found here.