17-Year-Old Detained In Custody For Allegedly Leading Naperville Police On Wild, High-Speed Chase

A seventeen-year-old male juvenile from Gilberts is accused of leading Naperville police on a high-speed chase early Saturday morning.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced yesterday that Judge James McCluskey granted the State’s motion to detain the juvenile until at least his next court appearance.

On Saturday at approximately 1:11am, after Naperville police officers had boxed-in the juvenile’s vehicle with theirs, he repeatedly crashed his car into the squad cars parked in front of and behind him until one of the squad cars was pushed out of the way and he was able to flee. It is alleged that as the he fled the scene, he crashed into a Naperville City electric box.

Subsequently, the juvenile led police on a 115-mph chase which ended in Dekalb County.

“Last year, DuPage County saw a significant increase in the numbers of people who attempted to flee from police instead of pulling over,” Berlin said. “With the weather getting nicer and people out traveling more, law enforcement in DuPage County is determined to not have a repeat of the epidemic of fleeing and eluding we saw last year.

“Make no mistake, we will use every tool at our disposal, including helicopters, drones and the assistance of neighboring jurisdictions to arrest and charge anyone who attempts to flee from police. This behavior unnecessarily puts the officers involved and thousands of innocent motorists at great risk and will simply not be tolerated. I urge everyone, if you hear sirens and see lights behind you, pull over. Do not attempt to flee, you will be unsuccessful.”

The juvenile is charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony) and two counts of Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property (Class 4 Felony). His next court date is scheduled for February 20, 2024, in front of Judge Chantelle Porter.