Grundy County Fugitive Leaped Out Hospital Window, Ran Over Guard's Foot

The Crest Hill man captured by the after a desperate high-speed chase leaped to freedom from a Morris Hospital second-story window and ran a stolen sport utility vehicle over a guard's foot during his getaway, police said.

The erstwhile fugitive — 25-year-old Craig Hufford of 2109 Plainfield Road — was taken to the hospital Friday morning after he was found unresponsive in his cell at the Grundy County jail.

Hufford was in custody on burglary charges as well as on a warrant out of Michigan for home invasion.

A correctional officer accompanied Hufford to the hospital, but the Crest Hill man made his escape from the window of a bathroom, Grundy County Sheriff Terry Marketti said in a statement.

Hufford jumped "from a second-floor landing onto the main floor of the hospital," Marketti said.

"After running from the hospital, Hufford then stole a Kia Sportage that was left running nearby and led several police agencies on a chase that initiated near Route 52 and Route 59 where he was first spotted by police," the sheriff said.

During his daring escape, Hufford ran the stolen sport utility vehicle over the correctional officer's foot, Marketti said.

The Sportage blew out a tire and another "disintegrated" on the wheel during the pursuit, said Shorewood Police Chief Aaron Klima.

The SUV finally stopped on westbound Interstate 80 at the Ridge Road overpass in Minooka and Hufford was apprehended by Shorewood police officers shortly before noon.

Hufford was returned to the Grundy County jail. Marketti said Hufford will be charged with his escape and motor vehicle theft in connection with his alleged flight from justice and with aggravated battery for allegedly running over the correctional officer's foot.

The sheriff said his office has launched an internal investigation of escape as well.