Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Carol Stream Chief of Police Don Cummings announced that late yesterday afternoon Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Woodridge man accused of fleeing from police at high speeds on multiple occasions. Jason Wesley, 32, of the 7300 block of Woodward Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, a Class 4 Felony. The court also ordered Wesley to be detained in two prior violation of an order of protection cases.

On July 6, 2024, at approximately 11:41 p.m., Carol Stream police attempted to conduct a traffic stop near North Avenue & Schmale Road on a Toyota Corolla allegedly driven by Wesley. Officers were familiar with Wesley and the vehicle as they knew that the defendant had numerous outstanding arrest warrants for offenses including retail theft, criminal damage to property, and violation of an order of protection. It is alleged that when the officer positioned his squad car behind Wesley and activated his emergency lights and siren, instead of pulling over, Wesley fled at a high rate of speed, reaching 109 m.p.h. in a 45-m.p.h. zone eastbound on North Avenue. It is alleged that Wesley drove erratically, narrowly missing other vehicles and passing vehicles on the shoulder. After approximately 1.8 miles, the officer terminated the pursuit for safety reasons.

Later that evening, at approximately 1:00 a.m., on July 7, Wheaton police located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. It is alleged that when officers activated their emergency lights and siren, Wesley again fled. Officers immediately terminated the pursuit for safety reasons.

Several hours later, at approximately 4:57 a.m., Elmhurst and Villa Park police located the vehicle and activated their emergency lights and sirens to conduct a traffic stop. It is alleged that Wesley once again fled. Officers pursued Wesley for approximately twelve miles but terminated pursuit near Busse Road and Central Road when Wesley’s vehicle allegedly reached speeds of approximately 114 m.p.h.

Several hours later, officers received information that Wesley was staying at the Comfort Suites in Lombard. Lombard police officers located Wesley hiding in a vacant room and he was taken into custody without incident. At the time of his arrest, Wesley was out on pre-trial release on multiple violation of an order of protection cases.

“The allegations that a man with multiple active arrest warrants led police on three separate high-speed chases in one night are outrageous,” Berlin said. “Mr. Wesley’s alleged actions demonstrate a continued disregard for public safety and the rule of law which will not be tolerated in DuPage County."

Cummings added: “Over the past few months this individual has tormented an innocent victim by allegedly violating a court-issued order of protection... Through coordinated law enforcement effort this individual was taken into custody before he could cause grave injury to himself or someone else.”

Wesley’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 5, 2024 for arraignment in front of 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 until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.