Court denies pre-trial release for West Chicago man accused of armed robbery and fleeing police
Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State's motion to deny pre-trial release for Matt Waldow, a 39-year-old West Chicago resident, who is accused of pointing a loaded gun at a man and fleeing from police, according to an April 10 announcement by DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury.
The case highlights concerns about public safety when suspects attempt to evade law enforcement. Authorities say incidents like this put community members at risk and underscore the importance of coordinated efforts among local agencies.
Waldow faces multiple felony charges including two counts of Attempt Armed Robbery, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, and three counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer. According to officials, on April 9 Waldow allegedly confronted a man in his vehicle with both a knife and handgun before demanding his cell phone. After the victim fled, Waldow reportedly led officers on a high-speed chase through residential areas that ended after he crashed into several vehicles and struck a power pole near Pleasant Ridge mobile home park. Officers recovered weapons from both the vehicle and nearby garage following search warrants.
“The allegations that Mr. Waldow, a convicted felon, approached an innocent man sitting in his vehicle, pointed a loaded weapon at him, demanded the man’s cell phone and then proceeded to lead authorities on a dangerous high-speed chase that ended after he struck several vehicles and crashed into a power line pole are outrageous,” Berlin said. “I have been sounding the alarm the past several years that it is only a matter of time before our luck runs out and someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of a defendant attempting to flee from the police. No one should lose their life because another individual mistakenly believes they can outrun the law and throughout DuPage County, law enforcement is committed to bringing an end to this epidemic before that happens.”
Chief Fleury said: “The reckless behavior allegedly displayed by the defendant put our entire community at risk, from the innocent victim he targeted to the residents and motorists in his path. I am incredibly proud of the West Chicago officers who pursued this suspect with professionalism and resolve... This case is a prime example of how local law enforcement works together to protect our citizens...”
Waldow’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 27 before Judge Brian Telander.
DuPage County schools had an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year with over 142,000 students enrolled across county schools according to state education data. The teacher absenteeism rate was reported at 38.3% for DuPage County schools compared with Illinois' average rate as noted by state records. York Community High School had the highest enrollment among white students in DuPage County during this period according to state statistics, while Metea Valley High School led in multiracial student enrollment as reported by state data. For Pacific Islander students' enrollment numbers during this time frame within DuPage County schools,Westmore Elementary School recorded ten students. Addison Trail High School recorded having more Hispanic students than any other school in DuPage County for that year according to available data.
Officials remind residents that these charges are not proof of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.