Area law enforcement agencies joined in the pursuit of a suspected stolen vehicle that started about 8 p.m. Thursday in Waterloo and ended with a subject apprehended about 40 minutes later in Millstadt.

An Illinois State Police Emergency Radio Network broadcast was issued after a Waterloo police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red-colored 2014 Honda SUV with Indiana plates that sped away. The vehicle continued north on Route 3 toward Columbia, then exited onto Route 158 toward Millstadt.

The vehicle drove into Millstadt, then continued south east toward rural Smithton and Freeburg – including driving through a field – before traveling back into Millstadt. The suspect ditched the vehicle on Jackson Street just south of White Street in Millstadt and ran between two sheds before officers finally took him into custody.

Millstadt police said the stolen vehicle traveled down several residential streets in town. Officers found the subject hiding in a back yard in the 200 block of West White Street.

Waterloo police said the SUV returned stolen out of Bloomington, Ind., and the stop attempt originated on HH Road near Moore Street.

The Metro East Auto Theft Task Force has taken over the case and will present any possible charges to the Monroe County State’s Attorney’s Office.