DUPAGE COUNTY, IL – A fourteen-year-old Roselle juvenile was charged with leading police on a high-speed chase Friday, following an incident at a McDonald’s restaurant in the area.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Carol Stream Chief of Police William Holmer announced the charges against the young driver.
The juvenile driver appeared in court for a detention hearing and was ordered to be detained until the next court appearance. The charges include two counts of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding a Police Officer and one count of Misdemeanor Reckless Driving.
According to reports, a Carol Stream police officer observed the vehicle driven by the juvenile turn out of the McDonald’s parking lot onto southbound Schmale Road with no registration plates. When the officer followed the car, the driver fled, turning off the vehicle’s lights and continuing to drive. The driver then turned north on Gary Avenue and turned the lights back on, leading the officer on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. The vehicle eventually crashed into a tree, and the driver fled the scene on foot. The driver later turned himself in to authorities that evening.
Berlin warns the public that driving is a privilege, not a right, and anyone attempting to flee from police will be caught and face more serious charges, as seen in this case.
The juvenile’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 17, 2023. Members of the public are reminded that the charges are not proof of the defendant’s guilt.
