In a dramatic turn of events, an Oak Park man, Bryant Allen, has been ordered to remain in custody ahead of his trial for allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase that reached terrifying speeds of 130 mph. According to DuPage County, Judge Joshua Dieden sided with the State in a move to hold Allen, who faces charges of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, which is a Class 4 Felony, among other Misdemeanor charges.
The 24-year-old, with a birth date listed as June 24, 2000, encountered Oak Brook patrol officers on Tuesday, after two vehicles were reported running a red light. Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis told the source publication about officers' attempts to pull over the speeding Dodge Charger, which Allen was driving, but instead of complying with the police, he accelerated away, igniting the high-speed chase, as per DuPage County. The pursuit continued on several roads, with Allen eventually driving over spike strips deployed by Forest Park officers, which led to his arrest.
State’s Attorney Robert Berlin conveyed his dismay at the reckless behavior on one of the County's busiest roads, expressing relief that the incident ended without any casualties, as reported in the official statement. Berlin praised the combined efforts of the Oak Brook Police Department, the Chicago Police Department's helicopter unit, the Forest Park Police Department, and the Illinois State Police for their role in safely apprehending Allen. "If you flee from the police, we will use every resource available to us, including the use of a helicopter as in this case, to ensure you are arrested, charged and prosecuted," Berlin said. Allen's next court date is set for May 27, he is to appear before Judge Ann Celine O'Hallaren Walsh. In line with legal protocol, it's worth noting that the current charges against Allen are allegations and not yet proven facts. He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty as defined by the law.
