Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Chief of Police Princeton Youker have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied pre-trial release for Brittany Getter, a DeKalb resident accused of driving under the influence and fleeing from police with her 12-year-old daughter in the vehicle. The 33-year-old appeared in court facing charges including one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding, along with multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses such as DUI, endangering the health or life of a child, reckless driving, and possession of open alcohol by a driver.

The incident occurred on May 6, 2024, when a Wheaton police officer noticed a Ford Escape allegedly speeding at 76 mph in a 35-mph zone near Roosevelt Road and Washington Street. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle driven by Getter but she reportedly continued westbound on Roosevelt Road. During the pursuit, Getter allegedly disobeyed several traffic signals before heading onto North Avenue where spike strips were deployed unsuccessfully as she drove into oncoming traffic. The chase was called off due to safety concerns until Kane County Sheriff's officers later stopped her vehicle using spike strips.

After being stopped, Getter reportedly refused to exit her car until Kane County SWAT intervened. Officers claimed they observed signs of intoxication in Getter and discovered an open bottle of Don Julio Tequila along with cannabis in her vehicle. Her daughter was present throughout the incident.

Berlin commented on the situation stating: “It is alleged that Ms. Getter not only fled from police at an extremely high rate of speed after she had been drinking but did so with her young daughter in the back seat.” He expressed gratitude for no injuries resulting from these actions and thanked law enforcement for their work.

Chief Youker praised his team's decision-making during the pursuit: “Good decision-making, teamwork and interdepartmental cooperation led to the arrest of Ms. Getter." He emphasized collaboration with Kane County partners which contributed to safely apprehending Getter.

Getter's arraignment is set for June 3, 2024, before Judge Brian Telander. It is important to note that these charges are allegations and do not constitute proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.