Two Elgin men are facing serious charges following a high-speed pursuit that put other motorists at risk and ended in a dramatic crash. According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney's Office, Cristopher Martinez Mendoza, 19, and Iban Pelayo, 19, allegedly engaged in a vehicle confrontation that escalated into gunshots and a police chase reaching speeds of up to 115 mph.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of March 9, 2024, when, as per reports, Pelayo, who was driving a gray Hyundai Sonata, collided with the victims' car on an off-ramp and continued driving without stopping even after hitting a mailbox, which was followed by Martinez Mendoza allegedly firing a gun towards the victims' vehicle. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed his conviction, stating, "The alleged actions of both of these defendants are outrageous and will not be tolerated in DuPage County," and praised local law enforcement for their swift action in this case.
A subsequent police chase ensued when Elmhurst police officers, alerted about the Sonata's presence, attempted to pull the vehicle over near the I-290 eastbound on-ramp from Lake Street, leading to Pelayo's allegedly accelerating and eventually crashing the car. Following the crash, Pelayo was taken into custody at the scene, and Martinez Mendoza was apprehended shortly after trying to flee on foot.
During a search of the crashed vehicle and surrounding area, police recovered two live 9 mm rounds and a polymer 80, or ghost gun, thrown by Martinez Mendoza during his escape, according to the authorities. In a concerted effort with the police department, Michael McLean emphasized the commitment to safety and justice, saying, "Criminals have no safe haven in Elmhurst," pointing to the proactive measures taken and the unity of local law enforcement against violent crimes.
Martinez Mendoza is charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm - Direction of an Occupied Vehicle (Class 1 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon - No FOID (Class 4 Felony), while Pelayo faces a count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm - Direction of an Occupied Vehicle (Class 1 Felony) and one of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony). The courts have set the next appearances for Martinez Mendoza on April 7, 2025, and for Pelayo on March 24, 2025, as they remain detained pre-trial.
