A 22-year-old Palatine man has been detained pre-trial following a vehicle chase and subsequent police standoff. According to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, Ezequiel Lopez-Bey is facing charges related to the possession of a stolen vehicle that had been reportedly carjacked earlier in Schaumburg. An accusation also stands against him for fleeing from law enforcement while armed. Lopez-Bey appeared in the First Appearance Court charged with one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, a Class 2 Felony, and other related charges.
During an incident last Sunday, it's alleged by the authorities that Lopez-Bey, along with his adult co-defendant, Andrew De Lance, and a minor, attempted to elude police in Naperville. While being armed with an EAA Girsan MC9 9mm semi-automatic pistol, Lopez-Bey struck two squad cars and after a brief chase on foot, was found hiding in a backyard shed by the local police with assistance from canine and drone units. Detected approximately ten feet where he climbed over an eight-foot-tall fence, officers found the weapon. De Lance faces a similar possession charge and both have been apprehended following a foot pursuit from the stolen vehicle.
In a prepared statement, State's Attorney Robert Berlin lauded the cooperative efforts of law enforcement, "The apprehension of the defendants in this matter is a testament to how seriously law enforcement in DuPage County takes their responsibility," Berlin said. He commended the diligent pursuit that led to Lopez-Bey's arrest. Chief of Police Jason Arres credited his officers' "rapid response and teamwork" for successfully apprehending the suspects and expressed gratitude towards various supporting departments and the legal team.
Justice now awaits Lopez-Bey and De Lance, with their next court appearance scheduled for January 13, 2025, in front of Judge Ann Celine O'Hallaren Walsh.
