A Chicago man was ordered detained on March 11 after being accused of dragging a Woodridge police officer with his vehicle while attempting to flee the scene of an alleged burglary, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Woodridge Chief of Police Tom Stefanson. Deandrae Walker, 36, appeared in First Appearance Court facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to the incident.
The case highlights concerns about public safety and law enforcement risks during theft investigations. Authorities said that on March 10, detectives observed Walker leaving a Target store in Woodridge with more than $600 worth of alcohol without paying. When officers approached him as he loaded the merchandise into a black Kia SUV, Walker allegedly entered the driver’s seat and drove off while a detective’s foot was still inside the vehicle, dragging the officer before fleeing at high speed.
Walker was later apprehended in Chicago following a pursuit involving several police departments. The injured officer received medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries. “Because of the alleged actions of Mr. Walker, an investigation into the theft of more than $600 dollars’ worth of alcohol, turned violent and potentially deadly in just a matter of seconds,” Berlin said. “Thankfully neither the officer, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is on the mend, nor any other officers or innocent bystanders were injured by Mr. Walker’s alleged attempt to flee the scene. I commend the Woodridge Police Department for their efforts in this matter and wish a complete and speedy recovery to the injured officer. I thank the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the Forest Park, North Riverside, and Chicago Police Departments for their assistance in the identification and apprehension of the defendant. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Robert Willis and Jennifer Nielsen for their efforts in securing charges against Mr. Walker.”
Stefanson said: “Woodridge and DuPage County are safe communities, and this type of lawless behavior and disregard for human life has no place here. I am grateful that our officer was not more seriously injured and is now home recuperating. I want to thank the officers of the Woodridge Police Department, along with the assisting officers from the Forest Park, North Riverside, and Chicago Police Departments, as well as agents from the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group, for their swift work in identifying, locating, and arresting the suspect. I also extend my appreciation to DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their legal guidance and support throughout this case.”
Walker’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 6 before Judge Joseph Bugos.
While public safety remains a concern following such incidents involving law enforcement officers during criminal investigations in DuPage County communities like Woodridge, education statistics show that schools across DuPage County had an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 during 2022-23 with over 142,000 students enrolled according to state data. Teacher absenteeism rates reached 38.3% countywide compared to Illinois’ average rate as reported by state officials. Among local schools last year: York Community High School had highest white student enrollment at 1,844; Metea Valley High School led among multiracial students with 162; Westmore Elementary School had most Pacific Islander students at ten; Addison Trail High School recorded highest Hispanic student enrollment at 1,259 according to state records.
Members of the public are reminded that these charges are not proof of guilt; Walker is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
