In DuPage County, the chase is over for two individuals who allegedly took police on a dangerous, high-speed pursuit over the holiday weekend. State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, along with the police chiefs of Lombard and Naperville, declared a crackdown on such law-defying antics while announcing the court's decision to hold the suspects accountable. According to a joint news release from the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office and local police departments, cited by the Naperville City website, an adult and a juvenile were detained following their alleged involvement in separate high-speed chases on Feb. 17, 2024.
The juvenile, a 17-year-old from Gilberts, reportedly rammed police squad cars in Naperville until he was able to continue his flight, which led to a chase reaching speeds of 115 mph. Eventually, his judgment came to a crashing halt when he collided with a Naperville City Electric box. His behavior earned him charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding and criminal damage to government-supported property, the news release detailed. Meanwhile, 37-year-old Dexter Williams of Chicago, allegedly sped through Lombard at 100 mph before he crashed into a light pole. Authorities claimed that after the crash, Williams and his companions tried to make a break for it on foot, but they didn't get far. The search of Williams' vehicle uncovered tools and catalytic converters pointing to other potential crimes. He faces a slew of charges including possession of burglary tools and fleeing and eluding. Berlin was quoted, as saying, "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."
This firm stance against high-speed pursuits comes after a spike in such incidents throughout DuPage County last year. Berlin assured the public that every tool, including "helicopters, drones, and the assistance of neighboring jurisdictions" would be utilized to apprehend individuals attempting to evade police. The two cases over the Presidents’ Day weekend seem to illustrate the county's unwavering commitment to this cause. The adult suspect, Dexter Williams, has been scheduled for arraignment on March 18, 2024. The juvenile's fate will be reconsidered in court today, in front of Judge Chantelle Porter.
Praise for the coordinated efforts of law enforcement was not scant. In expressing gratitude for the apprehension of these suspects, Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres said, "I am so grateful for the health and safety of all the officers involved and for the assistance of the Kane County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending this reckless individual." Arres and his counterparts in Lombard and DuPage County echoed a clear, shared sentiment: actions that put officers and the public at risk will not go unchecked. However, citizens are reminded that the charges mentioned remain allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
