Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Glendale Heights Chief of Police George Pappas announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Glendale Heights man charged with firing a gun into the air and then leading police on a high-speed chase. Elexei Garcia, 34, of the 100 block of Wrightwood Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony).

On July 23, 2024, at approximately 12:16 a.m., Glendale Heights police officers responded to the 1700 block of Gilberto Street regarding a domestic incident. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that Garcia and his wife got into a verbal argument at their residence and when she attempted to leave in her vehicle, Garcia positioned his vehicle to block her in and then proceeded to bang on her windows. It is alleged that she then exited her vehicle and began walking away with the defendant following. It is further alleged that when Garcia was approximately fifteen to twenty feet away from his wife, he removed a gun from his holster and fired one round in the air. It is alleged that Garcia then ran back to his home, entered his vehicle, and fled the scene.

When officers in a marked squad car with their emergency lights activated attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Garcia at Gilberto Street and Altgeld Avenue, Garcia allegedly fled at a high rate of speed through a residential area reaching speeds of approximately 88 m.p.h. in a 35-m.p.h. zone and driving on a grass parkway at one point. At approximately 12:40 a.m., officers with the Wheaton Police Department located and successfully apprehended Garcia.

“Recklessly firing a gun into the air, as alleged in this case, in a residential neighborhood potentially putting hundreds of people at risk will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin said. “Equally upsetting are the allegations that Mr. Garcia reached speeds approaching ninety m.p.h. in a residential neighborhood and even drove on a parkway at one point in an attempt to avoid capture. This type of behavior that puts the public at risk will not be tolerated in DuPage County.”

Berlin added, “Thankfully no innocent motorists or bystanders were injured or worse as a result of Mr. Garcia’s alleged actions. I urge everyone if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you pull over and cooperate with the police. If you attempt to flee you will be caught and make matters worse for yourself.” He thanked both police departments involved as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Alexandria Levan and Michael Pingaj for their work on this case.

“The senseless actions alleged against Mr. Garcia put the victim and our residents in serious danger,” Pappas said. “These actions will not be tolerated in our town or throughout DuPage County.” He commended both departments for their efforts.

Garcia’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 19, 2024, for arraignment before Judge Mia McPherson.

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.

###