Addison juvenile charged after high-speed chase in Oak Brook, released to home detention
An Addison juvenile has been charged with leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle, according to a Mar. 18 announcement from DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis. The fourteen-year-old male appeared at a detention hearing where Judge Kishori Tank ordered his release on home detention. He faces one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding a Peace Officer (Class 4 Felony).
The case highlights concerns about youth involvement in serious crimes and the risks posed by high-speed pursuits involving minors. The incident began around 1:00 a.m., when an Oak Brook officer observed a Toyota stopped beyond the white boundary line at Route 83 and Hodges Road. After activating emergency lights near 16th Street, the officer approached the vehicle, but the driver allegedly sped away, reaching speeds up to 70 mph and running multiple red lights before abandoning the car with significant damage. The juvenile was later found hiding in a shed with help from a K9 unit.
“Driving is a privilege, not a right,” Berlin said. “Furthermore, it is a privilege enjoyed by those above sixteen years of age with a valid driver’s license. The allegations that a fourteen-year-old boy attempted to outrun the police in a stolen motor vehicle are extremely disturbing. The charges filed today once again send the message that anyone who attempts to flee from police, regardless of their age, will be caught and will quickly find themselves standing before a judge. I thank the Oak Brook Police Department for not only their efforts on this case, but also for their vigilance in keeping our roadways safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Angela Bazianos and Daniel Orescanin for their efforts on this case.”
Strockis said, “Another stolen vehicle entered Oak Brook with dangerous intent, ultimately leading to an arrest. It is especially troubling that the driver involved in this incident was only fourteen years old. I want to commend our officers for their continued dedication to keeping our community safe. I also extend my appreciation to the many law enforcement agencies that assisted in the apprehension. Finally, I would like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their support and guidance throughout this case.”
The next court appearance for the juvenile is scheduled for April 9 before Judge Tank; charges are pending against three other juveniles who allegedly fled from the same vehicle.
DuPage County schools serve more than 142,000 students with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 according to state education data. Teacher absenteeism rates were reported at 38.3% during the last school year as noted by state records, higher than Illinois' average rate of 35.6%. Among local schools, York Community High School had the highest enrollment of white students at 1,844; Metea Valley High School led among multiracial students with 162; Westmore Elementary School had ten Pacific Islander students—the highest such enrollment—and Addison Trail High School enrolled more Hispanic students than any other school in DuPage County at 1,259 according to state data.
Authorities remind residents that these charges are not proof of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.