By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – A Chicago man remains behind bars in McLean County on a quarter-million-dollar bond.

On July 13, authorities say a woman was sitting in her 2016 Nissan Sentra car in the parking lot near the 600 block of N. Clinton St.

Police say a thinly masked male, later identified as Anthony Allen, 25, of Chicago, approached the vehicle and displayed what looked like a firearm.

Authorities allege Allen then stole the vehicle and drove away.

On July 16, deputies identified the stolen vehicle while on patrol after Allen was driving over the speed limit near General Electric Rd.

Authorities allege Allen increased his speed, driving over 75 mph, 21 mph over the speed limit.

Police report Allen turned left onto E. College Ave where he lost control of the vehicle and crashed at the intersection of E. College Ave. and Young Dr. in Normal.

According to court documents, when Allen crashed, he struck a fire hydrant and a utility pole as the car came to a rest on its driver side on the sidewalk.

Allen then allegedly attempted to run from the police, where he was then arrested.

Police say an item that appeared to be a firearm was inside the vehicle and found it not to be a firearm.

Authorities allege it appeared to be a similar item used in the car hijacking.

Police charged Allen with vehicular hijacking, aggravated robbery, aggravated fleeing from police, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Allen’s next court hearing is August 13 at 9:00 a.m.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].