Hillsboro Police Chief Randy Leetham has commended an off-duty conservation policeman, an off-duty fireman and another witness after assisting in the arrest of a man allegedly driving under the influence.

On August 29, Hillsboro Police responded to an accident at the intersection of Rountree and Tremont. A red pickup truck had hit a power pole and a stop sign. Minutes before the accident, Montgomery County 911 and the Hillsboro Police Department had received calls of a red truck driving recklessly near Central Park on Wood Street.

While officers were responding to the scene, the subject, identified as John Jagosh of Hillsboro, attempted to leave. The truck had severe damage to one of the front wheels and was not drivable. Jagosh, 58, continued to accelerate the truck and spun the tread off the tires before the vehicle was turned off.

Off-duty Conservation Police Officer Matt Lentz, off-duty Springfield Fireman Drew Peterson and a witness at the scene struggled with the subject, and were able to remove the keys from the truck. The individuals held the doors closed on the truck to keep Jagosh there until police arrived and took him into custody.

Jagosh was arrested and cited for Driving Under the Influence, Improper Lane Usage, Reckless Driving and Criminal Damage to Property. He had been out on parole with the Illinois Department of Corrections. Montgomery County Animal Control arrived and took custody of two dogs Jagosh had riding in the truck with him. He also had several knives and a club in close proximity to the driver's door.

The truck was towed from the scene. Chief Leetham thanked the three citizens who jumped into action to help safely resolve the issue.