Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County authorities have announced that Judge Robert Douglas has approved the state's request to detain Javier Barajas, a 23-year-old man from Cicero, before his trial. Barajas is accused of escaping from a DuPage County Sheriff's Deputy after a court appearance related to charges of aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Barajas, who resides on the 2100 block of S. 57th Avenue, appeared in court facing charges of escape from a peace officer and resisting or obstructing a peace officer causing injury. These are classified as Class 2 and Class 4 felonies, respectively.

Earlier this year, on May 23, Barajas was charged with non-detainable aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle and detainable aggravated fleeing and eluding. Initially, Judge Joshua Dieden denied the state's motion to detain him pre-trial. However, on October 29, while on pre-trial release, Barajas faced additional charges for multiple counts of aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle valued over $25,000. Despite these charges being non-detainable under current law, he was released pre-trial.

The state subsequently filed a motion to revoke his pre-trial release due to alleged violations. On October 31, Judge Joseph Bugos granted this motion following which Barajas allegedly escaped custody by slipping out of handcuffs and attempting to flee the courthouse. He was quickly apprehended by deputies but not without incident; during the arrest attempt, an officer sustained injuries.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin commented on the situation: “Judge Bugos’ order to revoke pre-trial release and order Mr. Barajas be detained pending trial sends the unmistakable message that conditions of pre-trail release are mandatory.” He emphasized that violations would lead to detention pending trial if necessary.

Sheriff James Mendrick also addressed challenges posed by current legislation: “These are the challenges that we deal with every day due to the Safe-T-Act act,” he stated. Mendrick expressed concerns about deputy safety during repeated arrests.

Barajas is scheduled for arraignment on November 25 in front of Judge Joseph Bugos. The public is reminded that charges do not equate to guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.