Around 3 AM on April 2, 2023, Taylor Benham was driving her grandmother’s vehicle with two male passengers when Winnebago County Sheriff Deputies Jacob Savino and Ortega spotted the car and allegedly recognized the male occupants. Savino began following the vehicle, prompting it to speed away before stopping near Rockton Avenue and Knight Avenue, where the two male passengers exited. Taylor then drove off, and deputies continued pursuing her.
The chase lasted over 10 minutes, reaching speeds up to 92 MPH, and ended when Taylor lost control and crashed into a tree, later dying from her injuries. Police stated they initiated the pursuit because they suspected the vehicle was stolen, though it had not been reported stolen and no similar vehicle had recently been reported stolen.
This incident was the 35th case investigated and deemed justified by the Winnebago Boone County Integrity Task Force.