Court denies pre-trial release for Woodridge man after high-speed police chase in DuPage County
A DuPage County judge granted the State's motion on Mar. 19 to deny pre-trial release for Thomas Philip, a 73-year-old Woodridge resident charged with leading police on a high-speed chase through multiple counties. Philip faces four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding a police officer, as well as misdemeanor charges for driving without a valid license and operating an uninsured vehicle.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety related to suspects fleeing law enforcement. Authorities allege that Philip failed to stop for Bensenville police during a traffic stop attempt on March 18, instead initiating a pursuit that spanned several jurisdictions and reached speeds up to 100 miles per hour before his eventual arrest in Lake Bluff.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, officers first attempted to pull over Philip near W. Irving Park Road due to expired registration. Instead of stopping, he allegedly sped away, ran red lights, drove into oncoming traffic, and later struck a squad car while attempting another escape from a strip mall parking lot. Police say the pursuit continued onto I-90 and I-294 before ending after spike strips were deployed three times.
State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said, “For the fourth time in as many days, my office has filed charges against individuals who allegedly fled from the police instead of pulling over. The allegations that Mr. Philip fled authorities on two occasions, the second of which involved multiple jurisdictions through three counties, are very disturbing. This epidemic threat to public safety must come to an end. Every time someone flees authorities, they are putting themselves, the officers involved and the public at great risk, and it is my fear that our luck may soon run out with deadly consequences.” Berlin also thanked law enforcement agencies involved in apprehending Philip.
Bensenville Chief of Police Bradley Swanson said, “The community extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated officers of the Bensenville Police Department and the assisting surrounding agencies for their swift and professional response to yesterday’s vehicle pursuit.” Swanson added appreciation for neighboring agencies’ teamwork and support from State’s Attorney Berlin.
Philip is scheduled for his next court appearance on April 13 before Judge Daniel Guerin. Officials remind the public that these are only charges at this stage; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
In other news related to DuPage County schools: The average student-to-teacher ratio was 13-to-1 in the 2022-23 school year with more than 142,000 students enrolled across county schools according to state education data. Teacher absenteeism was recorded at 38.3% during this period—higher than Illinois' statewide average as reported by state officials. Among local schools, York Community High School had the highest enrollment of white students (1,844), Metea Valley High School led in multiracial student enrollment (162), Westmore Elementary School had ten Pacific Islander students—the most among county schools—and Addison Trail High School recorded the highest Hispanic student enrollment at 1,259 according to state records.