Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced that the Court has denied the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a Cicero man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen motor vehicle. Javier Barajas, 22, of the 2100 block of S. 57th Avenue, appeared at First Appearance Court yesterday charged with one count of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 1 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony).

On May 22, 2024, at approximately 10:19 p.m., Oak Brook police officers received notice from a Department of Homeland Security helicopter regarding a suspected stolen vehicle traveling through Oak Brook. Officers began following the vehicle, a 2021 Camaro ZL1 valued at more than $60,000, as it traveled through Oak Brook. Officers continued to follow the Camaro, allegedly driven by Barajas, ultimately to Army Trail Road where Barajas allegedly entered I-290 eastbound. A trooper with the Illinois State Police joined Oak Brook officers and activated their emergency lights, at which time Barajas allegedly fled.

It is alleged that at I-290 near St. Charles Road, the Oak Brook police officer activated his emergency lights and sirens at which time Barajas fled from the officer reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph in a 45-mph construction zone. It is alleged that officers followed Barajas to 17th Street in Maywood, where Barajas exited the vehicle and fled on foot. He was taken into custody a short time later on 15th Avenue.

“Law enforcement in DuPage County is committed to not having a repeat of the epidemic of fleeing and eluding that we saw last year,” Berlin said. “It is very simple; if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over. I can’t be more clear - anyone who attempts to flee from police will be caught. We will use every tool available to us, including the use of a helicopter and assistance from neighboring agencies, as in this case, to apprehend those who think they can outrun the police.”

Berlin added: “Thankfully no innocent motorists were injured or killed as a result of Mr. Barajas’ alleged actions. I commend the Oak Brook Police Department for not only their work on this case but also for their ongoing efforts in keeping our roadways safe.”

“This is yet another example of the great work by our officers keeping Oak Brook safe and collaborating with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to lock up criminals that have not yet recognized that we police in a pro-active manner in Oak Brook and DuPage County,” Strockis said.

Barajas’ next court appearance is scheduled for June 17, 2024 for arraignment before Judge Michael Reidy.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

___