Dupage Policy Journal

Defendant allegedly crashed into Naperville squad car as he fled.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that Judge Leah Bendik granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for an Aurora man accused of fleeing from police at a high rate of speed and crashing his vehicle into a Naperville squad car as he fled. Mitchell Simmons, 31 (d.o.b. 12/18/1992) of the 400 block of Watson Street, appeared in First Appearance Court yesterday afternoon charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony), one count of Aggravated Assault on an Officer (Class 4 Felony), and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including Reckless Driving, Driving While License Suspended, and Unauthorized Use of Handicapped Parking.

On July 25, 2024, at approximately 12:48 a.m., officers with the Naperville Police Department were in the area of the Naperville Extended Stay when they observed a vehicle allegedly illegally parked in a handicapped parking space. As officers approached the vehicle, which was idling at the time, they observed an individual, later identified as Simmons, with his eyes closed and his pants around his ankles in the driver's seat. After officers made contact with the defendant, he opened his eyes but was non-compliant when asked for his driver’s license and insurance. It is alleged that when officers ordered Simmons out of the vehicle, he put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated, striking a marked Naperville Police Department squad car and causing an officer to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by the vehicle. It is alleged that Simmons then turned onto Diehl Road at which time officers initiated a pursuit which ultimately included six police vehicles in marked squad cars with their emergency lights and sirens activated. It is alleged that Simmons continued to flee across a raised median on Diehl Road to Route 59, to I-88 where he reached speeds of approximately 123 m.p.h., onto I-290 where he reached speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h. in a construction zone. Officers with the Hinsdale Police Department successfully deployed spike strips on I-290 and disabled a tire but Simmons allegedly continued driving his vehicle at a high rate of speed and continued to do so after officers with the Oak Brook Police were able to disable a second tire on his vehicle. It is further alleged that Simmons exited the expressway on 25th Street and ultimately turned onto a dead-end street and crashed into a chain link fence where he exited his vehicle and fled on foot. He was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

“The allegation that Mr. Simmons crashed his vehicle into a squad car, nearly striking an officer, and then led police on a high-speed chase in excess of 100 m.p.h., at one point through a construction zone are outrageous,” Berlin said. “Mr. Simmons’ alleged actions demonstrate complete disregard for public safety and rule of law which will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Thankfully no innocent motorists were injured or worse as result Mr.Simmons’ alleged actions.As I have said numerous times past,fleeing from police will only make matters worse you.I thank Naperville Police Department efforts this case well Oak Brook Hinsdale Departments assistance.Their coordinated efforts led successful apprehension defendant before could cause serious injury himself someone else.I also thank Assistant State Attorneys Adam Frahm Philip Ungar work securing charges against Mr.Simmons.”

“The arrest suspect who fled our officers high rate speed underscores extreme danger posed such reckless behavior.In addition fleeing,it alleged almost struck officer with vehicle also hit unoccupied police car,” said Naperville Chief Jason Arres.“High-speed pursuits not only put lives dedicated law enforcement personnel risk,but also innocent drivers community.We remain committed ensuring safety citizens will continue take decisive action against those who threaten it.I would like thank States Attorney Bob Berlin attorneys assistance this case well all law enforcement personnel other agencies assisted us apprehension individual.”

Simmons next court appearance scheduled August19 arraignment front Judge Margaret O'Connell.

Members public reminded this complaint contains only charges proof defendants guilt.A defendant presumed innocent entitled fair trial which governments burden prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.