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 male adult 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, age 31, 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 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. Allegedly, 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. Allegedly, 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. 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.
Police 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. Allegedly Simmons exited the expressway on 25th Street and ultimately turned on to a dead end street and crashed into a chain link fence, where he exited his vehicle and fled on foot. Simmons 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. Mr. Simmons’ alleged actions demonstrate a complete disregard for public safety and the rule of law, which will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Thankfully, no innocent motorists were injured or worse as a result of Mr. Simmons’ alleged actions. As I have said numerous times in the past, fleeing from the police will only make matters worse for you. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their efforts in this case as well as the Oak Brook and Hinsdale Police Departments for their assistance. Their coordinated efforts led to the successful apprehension of the defendant before he could cause serious injury to himself or someone else. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Adam Frahm and Philip Ungar for their work in securing charges against Mr. Simmons.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“The arrest of this suspect who fled from our officers at a high rate of speed underscores the extreme danger posed by such reckless behavior. In addition to fleeing, it is alleged that he almost struck an officer with his vehicle and also hit an unoccupied police car. High-speed pursuits not only put the lives of our dedicated law enforcement personnel at risk, but also innocent drivers in the community. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens and will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten it. I would like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his attorneys for their assistance with this case, as well as all the law enforcement personnel from other agencies that assisted us with the apprehension of this individual.”
— Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres
Simmons’ next court appearance is scheduled for August 19, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.
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 and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Hyperlocal C
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