DuPage County teen accused in high-speed chase, crash

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. — A DuPage County teen accused of crashing a stolen car while leading police on a high-speed chase in the northwest suburbs on Tuesday is now facing felony charges.

The suspect, a 14-year-old Bloomingdale resident who has not been identified due to his age, has been charged with one felony count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle and one felony count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin announced Wednesday.

According to Berlin, the teen’s charges stem from a high-speed chase that allegedly unfolded in the northwest suburbs late Tuesday night.

Prosecutors said it all began around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday when Bloomingdale police spotted the teen allegedly driving in a Hyundai Elantra that had been reported stolen.

Authorities attempted to stop the driver near Glen Ellyn Road and Lake Street, but prosecutors said he allegedly drove away from officers, heading east along Lake Street.

Amid the flee attempt, prosecutors said the teen allegedly reached speeds of up to 80 MPH as he evaded traffic.

Eventually, the teen ran over spike strips, lost a tire, and T-boned another vehicle as he attempted to turn onto Walter Street during the pursuit.

Following the crash, prosecutors said the teen allegedly attempted to flee from the vehicle on foot but was taken into custody following a short pursuit.

After he was taken into custody, both the teen and the driver of the car involved in the crash were taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released.

“While Fleeing and Eluding cases were down almost 7% in DuPage County last year, the number of drivers fleeing from the police remains disturbingly high. If the allegation that a 14-year-old led police on a high-speed chase in a stolen car on residential roads is proven true, this minor displayed a complete contempt for the rule of law and public safety,” Berlin said. “The outrageous actions alleged against the juvenile not only put the motoring public as well as the officers involved at great risk, but also caused damage to another person’s vehicle. The successful apprehension of the defendant in this case once again sends the message that in DuPage County, if you attempt to flee from the police, you will be arrested, charged and prosecuted. We are all extremely grateful that no innocent motorists or bystanders were seriously injured or killed as a result of the defendant’s alleged actions. I thank the Bloomingdale Police Department for their work on this case and for their ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe, and the Addison Police Department for their assistance. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Anna Derkacz and Brandon Metcalf for their efforts on this case.”

During a detention hearing on Wednesday, Judge Chantelle Porter ordered that the teen be detained until at least his next court appearance.

Authorities did not provide a mugshot for the teen.