Bond set at $1 million for man who fled Peru drug bust

OTTAWA — Bond is set at $1 million for a Chicago-area man who was arrested Oct. 23 in Wyanet after he fled police during an undercover drug bust in Peru.

Michael D. Willis, 34, is in custody at the LaSalle County Jail, needing $100,000 for release.

He is charged with manufacturing/delivery of heroin between 1 and 15 grams. The class 1 felony carries a 4- to 15-year prison sentence, if convicted.

Peru police said Willis sold purported heroin to an undercover officer Oct. 23 at a north Peru parking lot near Interstate 80 and Route 251. He fled along Interstate 80 into Bureau County.

Authorities found his vehicle in Wyanet, and then Willis shortly after in a residential garage.

Willis was appointed a public defender. He is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment next at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, in Judge H. Chris Ryan’s courtroom.

Willis may face further charges, according to officials.