Taylorville Police recovered two stolen vehicles and arrested a suspect following a series of incidents reported Tuesday evening.
According to the Taylorville Police Department, officers were first dispatched after receiving a report of a stolen Chevy Suburban, including a direction of travel. Within 30 minutes, a second report came in for a stolen 2026 Chevy Tahoe taken from the parking lot at St. Mary’s School. Police alerted the community through social media as the investigation unfolded.
Multiple Taylorville officers, detectives, and command staff responded, along with two deputies from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
K-9 Officer Priddy later located the stolen Suburban at Manners Park, while the police chief found the Tahoe on Webster Street. Both vehicles were still running when discovered. Investigators obtained surveillance video from St. Mary’s School and the Park District, with police thanking both for their quick cooperation.
Authorities say both vehicles were recovered undamaged and that nothing was taken from inside.
Police report the suspect was quickly identified due to previous encounters and was taken into custody without incident. The suspect, is being identified as 35-year-old Brandon Rhodes of Taylorville.
Court records show Rhodes has been involved in multiple alleged vehicle thefts in recent weeks. On February 12, he allegedly stole a vehicle in Taylorville and drove it to Springfield, where he is accused of stealing another vehicle before being arrested in Peoria. He was later released. After returning to Taylorville, police say he allegedly stole another vehicle and was arrested again on February 16 after the vehicle ran out of gas. He was booked on two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle and released on February 17.
Police noted that under current Illinois law, stolen vehicle offenses are not detainable. However, officials say the State’s Attorney may be able to argue at a future hearing that the suspect poses a safety risk to the community based on his history and the circumstances of the case.
Taylorville Police praised the teamwork involved in the investigation.
