DuPage County, IL – A Chicago man will remain in custody after allegedly leading suburban police on a high-speed chase that topped 100 mph before ending in a crash and the recovery of a loaded handgun, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Villa Park police attempted to stop a vehicle near Route 83 and St. Charles Road around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. The vehicle was suspected of being connected to a previous felony involving allegedly illegally tinted windows and improper lane usage.
Prosecutors allege the vehicle initially stopped but sped away after an officer exited his squad car.
The driver, identified as 20-year-old Don Williams Jr. of Chicago, allegedly reached 107 mph in a 55-mph zone near Roosevelt Road and York Street before entering eastbound Interstate 290.
Oak Brook police later deployed spike strips, deflating two tires. Authorities allege Williams continued driving between 65 and 70 mph on the damaged tires before crashing into a guardrail.
Prosecutors said Williams and four other occupants allegedly fled on foot after the crash. All five were eventually apprehended.
Police searching the vehicle reported finding a loaded Glock handgun equipped with a 28-round extended magazine on the driver’s seat and another extended magazine in the back seat.
Williams is charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated fleeing and eluding.
Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s request to detain Williams before trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 14.
No injuries were reported during the pursuit, according to prosecutors.
The charges are allegations. Williams is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
