In DuPage County, a Carol Stream man, Fernando Jimenez, has been denied pre-trial release following charges of Aggravated DUI and initiating a high-speed chase with local police; his actions have been met with stern remarks from the State's Attorney and Police Chief. According to the DuPage County State's Attorney's office, Jimenez is facing multiple felony charges, including his fifth offense for Aggravated DUI, after being apprehended on October 10, when an officer attempted a traffic stop on his silver Ford Bronco.
The events unfolded early in the morning when Jimenez allegedly appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, evidenced by a strong odor and his bloodshot eyes, and instead of complying with the officer, he reportedly fled the scene at great speeds, driving through a red light and reaching speeds up to 104 mph in a 40-mph zone, "putting innocent lives at risk," State’s Attorney Robert Berlin emphasized in a statement obtained by the DuPage County State's Attorney's office. Although the pursuit was terminated for safety reasons, Jimenez was later taken into custody as he parked near his apartment.
Judge Joshua Dieden ruled in favor of the state's motion to detain Jimenez, citing the potential danger his release could pose to the public. The Carol Stream Chief of Police, Don Cummings, also condemned Jimenez's alleged behavior, praising his department's commitment to road safety and the advanced technology aiding in such apprehensions. Cummings said, “The men and women of the Carol Stream Police Department remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting everyone who lives in or visits our community,” highlighting the gravity of the defendant's actions and the collaborative efforts to uphold the law.
In a display of zero tolerance for impaired driving and evading law enforcement, Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Michael Pingaj were acknowledged for their role in charging Jimenez, with Berlin stating, “if you flee from police, you will be caught and face additional charges.” Jimenez is scheduled for his next court appearance on November 3, 2025, before Judge Brian Telander, while the public is reminded that the charges are allegations thus far without proof of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
