Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has approved the detention of Fernando Poblete Lopez, 29, before trial. Poblete Lopez is charged with leading police on a high-speed chase and illegal possession of a firearm and methamphetamine.

Poblete Lopez appeared in court facing multiple charges: possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, and aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer.

The incident began on December 2, 2024, when an unmarked Oak Brook police vehicle attempted to stop Poblete Lopez for traffic violations. Instead of stopping, he allegedly led police on a chase through several roads before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot. He was apprehended after a brief pursuit. During the chase, he allegedly reached speeds up to 91 mph and discarded approximately 24.2 grams of methamphetamine. A loaded handgun with a defaced serial number was found in his vehicle.

Berlin commented on the case: “The allegations that Mr. Poblete Lopez fled from police at a high rate of speed on an extremely busy road in the midst of the holiday shopping season are outrageous.” He expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for their efforts in safely apprehending the suspect.

Chief Strockis remarked: “Once again, a dangerous armed felon found out that if you come to Oak Brook with bad intentions and the belief that you can flee from the police without consequence you are wrong.”

Poblete Lopez is scheduled for arraignment on December 23, 2024, before Judge Mia McPherson.

The public is reminded that these charges are not proof of guilt; Poblete Lopez is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.