An Aurora man is in custody after leading a variety of police departments in a high-speed chase in a stolen Kia.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury announced Wednesday that the 20-year-old subject has been charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (a Class 2 Felony); one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (a Class 3 Felony) and multiple Misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including Reckless Driving, Speeding 35+ MPH Over Limit and Improper Lane Usage.
According to police, on Wednesday at approximately 12:35am, a West Chicago police officer on traffic patrol at North Avenue and Marketing Drive observed a 2016 Kia Rio traveling with no headlights or taillights at approximately sixty mph in a forty-five-mph zone. The officer began following the Kia traveling eastbound on North Avenue at which time the Kia allegedly accelerated, causing the officer to activate his emergency lights and siren. The Kia continued to accelerate away from the officer, reaching speeds of approximately 107 mph. The officer terminated pursuit as the Kia entered a neighboring jurisdiction. Approximately ten minutes later officers with the Elmhurst, Villa Park, Darien, Oak Brook and Berkeley Police Departments picked up pursuit of the Kia which ended after authorities spike-stripped the vehicle, causing the vehicle to slow down and ultimately drive into a ditch in Oak Brook. Once the Kia came to a stop, the suspect and two juveniles fled on foot. All three individuals were taken into custody at this time. The juveniles were released from custody pending further investigation.
“As evidenced by the multiple agencies involved in this case, law enforcement throughout DuPage County is committed to keeping our streets safe for all motorists,” Berlin said. “It is very simple, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over. Do not think, even for a moment, that you can outrun police. I commend the West Chicago Police Department not only for their work on this case, but also for their ongoing efforts in keeping our roadways safe. I also thank the Elmhurst, Villa Park, Darien, Oak Brook and Berkeley Police Departments for their efforts in locating and apprehending the defendant in this case as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Anna Derkacz for their work on this case.”
