DuPage County, IL – Two Cook County women have been ordered held pending trial after prosecutors alleged they led Oak Brook police on a high-speed pursuit that exceeded 100 mph and ended with two crashes, including one involving a police squad car.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Judge Michael Burton granted the state’s motion to detain Vanessa Mejia, 29, of Elmwood Park, and Magaly Valencia, 21, of Des Plaines, following their first court appearances Monday.
Prosecutors allege the incident began at approximately 10:14 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, when an Oak Brook police officer attempted to stop an Infiniti near Butterfield Road and Meyers Road for allegedly displaying expired registration plates and tinted windows.
Authorities allege Mejia, who was driving the Infiniti, fled from the traffic stop and reached speeds of more than 104 mph in a 45-mph zone on Butterfield Road before losing control while attempting to pass another vehicle and crashing.
According to prosecutors, Valencia was driving a Dodge Charger behind the Infiniti and allegedly attempted to interfere with the officer’s pursuit by preventing the squad car from moving behind the Infiniti. After the Infiniti crashed, prosecutors allege Valencia lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the officer’s squad car, causing significant damage. The officer was transported to a local hospital with what officials described as minor injuries.
Mejia is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses. Valencia is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, concealing or aiding a fugitive, and additional misdemeanor offenses.
The next court appearance for both defendants is scheduled for Aug. 31, 2026.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
