An Oak Brook man's attempt to evade police resulted in a high-speed pursuit ending in multiple traffic violations and an order for pre-trial detention. Ulises Mejia, 26, is now facing charges including two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, in addition to Misdemeanor Battery and a sundry of traffic offenses, as reported by the DuPage County State’s Attorney's Office. Mejia's alleged flight from police transpired after he purportedly punched another man and then raced away from the scene, ignoring traffic signals and reaching speeds profoundly exceeding the legal limits.
The incident in question took place on Wednesday evening, when Oak Brook police answered a battery call to find themselves in a sudden chase. Prosecutors have painted a scenario where Mejia, after committing an act of violence, engaged in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with law enforcement that culminated in a head-on collision. Following the crash, Mejia is said to have continued his flight on foot before being apprehended at a nearby restaurant. Thankfully, despite the high-speed pursuit and collision, no injuries were reported among the involved parties.
"It is alleged that with a complete disregard for public safety and in an attempt to flee authorities after punching a man in the face, Mr. Mejia led police officers on a high-speed chase," State’s Attorney Robert Berlin indicated in a statement. The expansive array of traffic violations includes reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. These actions prompted Judge Joshua Dieden to approve the State’s motion to deny Mejia’s pre-trial release, as detailed in the same statement.
The roots of this crime seem to stem from a domestic dispute gone public. Prior to the chase, it is alleged by the State’s Attorney’s Office that Mejia was waiting outside an Old Navy store for the mother of his children, choosing to assault the new boyfriend when he arrived to pick her up. Police Chief Brian Strockis highlighted the seriousness of domestic disputes and their potential for escalation, emphasizing the swift action of officers in Oak Brook to prevent further harm. "This offender was taken into custody preventing further escalation serving as a reminder that you cannot flee from the police in Oak Brook without facing consequences," Strockis told reporters.
The court date for Mejia is set for November 24, 2025, where he will appear before Judge Brian Telander. As is customary, it should be noted that all charged individuals, including Mejia, are considered innocent until proven guilty by the legal system, a process which demands the State to substantiate guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
