Oak Brook, IL – Two Chicago men are being held pre-trial after allegedly leading police on a high-speed pursuit near Oak Brook Center and being found with a loaded firearm.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, the incident unfolded Wednesday at approximately 3:50 p.m. when an Oak Brook police officer initiated a traffic stop on a blue Nissan on Ring Road near the mall. Authorities allege the driver, identified as Jahiem Russell, 22, immediately fled at a high rate of speed after the officer activated emergency lights and sirens.
Prosecutors allege Russell ignored multiple stop signs and drove erratically through heavy traffic, reaching speeds of about 63 mph in a 40-mph zone before merging onto Interstate 88. Officials further allege he continued weaving through traffic, later reaching speeds near 86 mph and driving onto the shoulder to pass vehicles. The pursuit allegedly continued onto Interstate 294 and Ogden Avenue, where Russell is accused of striking road barriers and an Oak Brook squad car before the vehicle became disabled.
Authorities allege Russell and his co-defendant, Lorenzo Bell, 20, fled on foot but were quickly apprehended. Officers allegedly recovered a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun with one round in the chamber and additional rounds in the magazine from the front passenger floorboard where Bell had been seated.
Bell, who officials say is currently on probation in a prior case, allegedly faces multiple felony weapons charges. Russell is also accused of aggravated fleeing and eluding, along with other charges.
Officials allege the vehicle displayed a stolen license plate reported taken Tuesday.
Both men are scheduled to appear in court May 4. Prosecutors emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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