Elmhurst, IL – A Cook County man was taken into custody after allegedly leading police on a high-speed pursuit through residential neighborhoods in DuPage County before crashing a stolen vehicle on Monday.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, 21-year-old Jeremiah Funches was charged after Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to detain him pre-trial. The charges include unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, burglary, aggravated fleeing and eluding, as well as multiple misdemeanor traffic offenses. The incident began when Elmhurst Police responded to a retail theft at a Kohl’s store on South Illinois Route 83 at approximately 10:37 a.m.
Authorities allege that Funches entered the store, placed clothing in a backpack, and left without paying. Police say Funches then allegedly fled the scene in a 2013 Kia Sorento reported stolen from LaSalle County. At about 11:48 a.m., Elmhurst Police and Villa Park Police located the vehicle in the area of Villa Avenue and St. Charles Road. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Funches allegedly sped away, ignored multiple stop signs, and reached speeds of 90 mph in a 25-mph zone.
The chase reportedly continued westbound on Roosevelt Road, where Funches allegedly crashed into another vehicle, continued fleeing at speeds up to 78 mph, and eventually collided with a utility pole. Police apprehended Funches at the crash scene. No injuries to bystanders were reported.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin stated that fleeing from police is not tolerated and thanked both Elmhurst and Villa Park Police for their coordinated efforts. Funches remains in custody, awaiting his next court appearance scheduled for August 18, 2025.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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