An Oswego man is in custody accused of leading police on a high-speed chase on westbound I-88 beginning in Naperville.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Illinois State Police Troop 15 Captain Linda Mandat announced today that bond has been set for the 27-year-old accused after he appeared at a bond hearing this morning. Judge Margaret O’Connell set bond at $100,000 with 10% to apply.
The accused is charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and multiple Misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.
On May 22, 2023, at approximately 12:19 p.m., while performing speed enforcement measures in the area of I-88 and I-355, an Illinois State Trooper allegedly observed a motorcycle, later determined to be driven by the accused, traveling at a high rate of speed at the Washington Street exit on westbound I-88. The officer activated his oscillating lights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. It is alleged that the motorcycle was traveling at 100 mph at this time. Instead of pulling over upon noticing the officer’s oscillating lights, Schaefer immediately accelerated reaching speeds of approximately 135 mph while weaving in and out of traffic.
The Trooper on the ground did not pursue the motorcycle. Illinois State Police Air Ops monitored the motorcycle, which allegedly reached speeds of approximately 150 mph on westbound I-88. It is alleged that after approximately twenty-seven minutes, the accused exited the expressway and parked on Ramm Drive in Naperville where he was taken into custody without incident. It is further alleged that he did not have a valid driver’s license.
“The allegations that [the accused] fled from the police at nearly eighty miles-an-hour above the posted speed limit are outrageous,” Berlin said. “This type of behavior is extremely dangerous and puts the entire motoring public and the officers involved at great risk. Once again, with the help of air support, the accused was taken into custody. Thankfully, no innocent motorists or bystanders were injured or worse. The message is simple, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over.”
“As we welcome the warm weather and leisure travel the summer season brings, we will not tolerate reckless driving that puts lives in jeopardy,” stated Troop 15 Commander Captain Linda Mandat. “ISP has a duty to ensure all motorists are operating safely on our roadways. Troopers will utilize every tool at their disposal – including high-performance motorcycles and aircraft – to ensure those who violate the law will not be allowed to operate with impunity,” added Captain Mandat.
The accused next court appearance is scheduled for June 20, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge O’Connell.
