WESTMONT, Ill. – A routine traffic stop took a nightmarish turn early last month when Ronald Neal, a 20-year-old Chicago resident, allegedly crashed his car into a Westmont home after reportedly ignoring police signals to pull over.
According to police reports the incident occurred around 12:16 a.m. on August 10, 2023, when a Westmont officer reportedly spotted Neal driving a Honda Element without headlights on near 59th Street. When signaled to stop, Neal allegedly sped away, causing mayhem in his wake. His erratic flight ended in a harrowing crash into a Westmont residence, miraculously leaving the occupants uninjured.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed his frustration over such incidents, emphasizing the dangers of not heeding police warnings. “Mr. Neal’s alleged actions most certainly made matters worse for himself and put the occupants of the home at great risk. While the home sustained substantial damage, we are thankful no one was injured.”
Westmont Chief of Police Jim Gunther echoed Berlin’s sentiments, highlighting the extensive property damage and potential risk to the homeowners. Commending the efforts of his officers and the State’s Attorney’s Office, he emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring community safety.
The accused, Ronald Neal, currently faces a Class 4 Felony charge of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding. He will appear for his next court hearing on October 30, 2023, before Judge Daniel Guerin.
