Vehicle Stop Leads To Suspect Fleeing and Capture

Around 1pm on Wednesday, August 17, an Effingham County Sheriff’s Deputy made a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of East Jaycee Avenue and Fourth Street in Effingham.  As the vehicle was stopping, the Deputy saw Cody Laue, 29, exit the car from the passenger seat and run toward a cornfield.  The Officer was familiar with Mr. Laue and knew he had Effingham County warrants for Domestic Battery and possession of methamphetamine, along with a failure to appear warrant from Fayette County for Controlled Substance Trafficking. 

When Laue fled, several Effingham City Police Officers, Effingham County Deputies, and Illinois State Police Troopers attempted to surround the area and locate the suspect.  Squad cars were positioned on Jaycee Avenue, 1425th Street, 1100th Avenue, and South Banker Street.  Traffic was disrupted on some streets as Officers searched the large area, which consisted mostly of cornfields.

The search was eventually called off, however later, law enforcement received a report that a man matching Laue’s description was at a residence approximately 5/8 of a mile east of Banker Street on 1200th Avenue.  The man had gained access to vehicles on the property and attempted to gain entry into the residence.  City Police arrived at the residence first and took the man, who was positively identified as Cody Laue, into custody.  No one was injured during the confrontation or arrest, and Laue was transported to the Effingham County Jail.

At this time, Laue is detained in the Effingham County Jail awaiting his first court appearance.  Several additional charges are expected to be filed, including possession of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl.  He is also expected to face charges for his actions at the residence on 1200th Avenue.  Laue is considered innocent of all charges unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Kuhns would like to recognize his Officers’ quick thinking and dedication, and the swift response from the City Police Chief and Officers, and the Illinois State Police Troopers. Several area residents also offered helpful resources and information.