Woman who stole police car and led chase reaches plea deal

Quincy woman charged with stealing three vehicles, including a Quincy Police squad car, has reached a plea agreement with the Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office, according to Public Defender Chris Pratt.

Lodged in the Adams County Jail, Mercedes N. Patterson, 25, appeared Friday waiving the right to a jury trial during the pre-trial hearing. 

Terms of the plea and sentencing will be on June 8.

Patterson, of Quincy, allegedly stole a vehicle in Camp Point on Dec. 22, then eluded Adams County Sheriff’s deputies. According to police reports, she hit two parked cars while driving the wrong way on Quincy’s Third Street, which is one way. After wrecking the vehicle, she allegedly took the Quincy Police car.

Patterson faces seven counts in one case, which consist of theft over $10,000, unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, criminal damage to state-supported property, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident with vehicle damage and two counts of criminal damage to property,

She also is charged with five counts in a second case — two counts of burglary, two counts of unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing to elude an officer.