Editor’s note: Sheriff John F. Booker referenced this arrest notice, in his Editorial to Judges. It is on thecity1.com Home page.
On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at approximately 8:03 a.m., Whiteside County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to several reports of a woman yelling for help in the 28,000 block of W. Thome Road, in Rock Falls, IL.
Upon arrival, Deputies learned that a suspect had reportedly attempted to carjack a motorist, who was transporting a minor in the area. Witnesses assisted the motorist and removed the suspect from the vehicle, and later identified the suspect to Deputies, who attempted to make contact with her.
The suspect was identified as Samara P. Russell, 37, of Rock Falls Russell failed to comply with lawful commands given by Deputies. During the ensuing physical altercation, Russell became combative and attempted to disarm a Deputy. Deputies ultimately took Russell into custody.
Deputies later learned that Russell had previously been released from Lee County custody with pretrial conditions, including electronic monitoring. The ankle monitor had been removed the previous evening, allegedly.
Russell was transported to the Whiteside County Jail and was booked on the following charges:
• Vehicular Invasion — Class 1 Felony
• Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer — Class 2 Felony
• Unlawful Restraint — Class 4 Felony
• Disarming a Peace Officer — Class 2 Felony
• Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer — Class A Misdemeanor.
Whiteside County Deputies were assisted by the Illinois State Police, Rock Falls Police Department, and CGH Ambulance Service.
All charges are allegations, and Russell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a Court of law.