Naperville, IL – A routine evening patrol turned into a thrilling chase when Naperville bicycle police spotted a Dodge Charger accelerate dramatically at an intersection.
According to Naperville police it happened at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Main Street around 9:40 p.m. on Friday after the Charger emitted smoke and screeched its tires, attracting attention of patrolling officers peddling nearby.
After a brief pause behind another vehicle at a stop sign a block away, the Charger’s driver, Anthony Favela-Diaz, 22, of Aurora, allegedly led officers on a daring escape. Ignoring traffic signals, the Charger sped west on Aurora Avenue. Minutes later, police reencountered the Charger near Ogden and Aurora avenues, cornering it at a gas station. Favela-Diaz was apprehended, and a subsequent search revealed an illegal handgun.
Police Chief Jason Arres stressed the gravity of fleeing lawful traffic stops and the potential dangers. “Enforcement of traffic laws not only protects our roadways but also can often lead to the discovery of other crimes, like illegal possession of a firearm in this case,” he said, applauding the officers’ dedication to maintaining road safety and uncovering criminal activity.
Favela-Diaz now faces charges including Aggravated Fleeing, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Disobeying a Stop Sign, Disobeying a Traffic Control Signal, and Squealing or Screeching Tires.
