An Aurora resident is facing severe legal repercussions after allegedly leading Naperville police on a dangerous high-speed chase that culminated in his car crashing into a patrol vehicle. According to a press release issued by DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres, Mitchell Simmons, 31, has been charged with Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, Aggravated Assault on an Officer among other misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.
The incident transpired on July 25, when Naperville police noticed Simmons's vehicle illegally parked in a handicapped spot around 12:48 a.m. Upon interaction, officers found Simmons with his pants around his ankles and unresponsive to requests for identification. Allegedly, Simmons then put his vehicle in reverse, hitting a Naperville squad car, and prompted a high-speed pursuit. The chase escalated to dangerous speeds, reportedly reaching 123 m.p.h. across various roads and through a construction zone, endangering both officers and the public, until it ended with a crashed vehicle and a brief foot chase.
“The allegation that Mr. Simmons crashed his vehicle into a squad car, nearly striking an officer, and then led police on a high-speed chase in excess of 100 m.p.h., at one point through a construction zone, are outrageous,” State's Attorney Berlin was quoted in the official statement. He commended the coordinated efforts of the Naperville, Oak Brook, and Hinsdale Police Departments which resulted in Simmons's arrest without further incident or injury.
Chief Jason Arres emphasized, “High-speed pursuits not only put the lives of our dedicated law enforcement personnel at risk, but also innocent drivers in the community.” He expressed gratitude towards the State's Attorney's office and the various law enforcement personnel involved in assisting Naperville Police. Simmons is set to appear in court for arraignment on August 19, 2024, before Judge Margaret O'Connell.
