Pre-Trial Release Denied for Suspect Who Fled Over 100 MPH in Chase Through Oak Brook, Lombard, Hillside; Possessed Fentanyl, Unlawfully Possessed Handgun

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced Thursday, February 27, 2025 that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago convicted felon accused of possessing a fully loaded gun and leading police in a 103-mph high-speed chase. Christopher Ellis, age 28, of the 1650 block of N. Lotus Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Armed Violence (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon (Class 3 Felony), two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony).

Oak Brook police officers on Wednesday February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., were alerted to a wanted vehicle near Butterfield Road and Illinois Route 83. Officers located the vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu, on Butterfield Road near 22nd Street in Oak Brook. The driver Malibu proceeded into Lombard, entered the Yorktown Mall parking lot, and appeared to be parking when the Oak Brook officer pulled in front of the Malibu and activated his emergency lights. The driver of the Malibu, later determined to be Christopher Ellis, reversed away from the officer, evaded spike strips and exited the mall eastbound on Butterfield Road. Police officers pursued Ellis, and during the pursuit, Ellis allegedly disobeyed multiple traffic control devices and reached speeds of approximately 101 mph in the area of Butterfield Road and Fountain Square Drive. Ellis continued to flee at speeds in excess of 100 mph on Butterfield Road, and nearly caused an accident with other vehicles, before merging onto Roosevelt Road. Ellis continued to flee on Roosevelt Road at speeds in excess of 100 mph, he entered oncoming lanes of traffic through a construction zone at which time Oak Brook police officers terminated ground pursuit out of public safety concerns. A Chicago Police Department helicopter took over surveillance of Ellis at this time and tracked the vehicle to the area of 33 N. Taft Avenue, Hillside, where three subjects allegedly exited the vehicle and continued to flee on foot. When Ellis exited the vehicle, he was allegedly holding a handgun. As Ellis fled through a residential neighborhood, he allegedly hid a firearm and approximately 11.4 grams of fentanyl under a flowerpot at a residence on North Ashbel Avenue. He was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. When canvassing the area, officers located a loaded and chambered .22 caliber Glock 44 pistol that was reported stolen out of Gary, Indiana, and a clear plastic bag containing fentanyl.

“Public safety remains the top priority not just in my office, but for law enforcement agencies throughout DuPage County. The allegations that Mr. Ellis fled from officers at more than 100 mph through a busy shopping district and a residential area while armed and in possession of a deadly narcotic are outrageous and will be met with the full force of the law. I commend the Oak Brook Police Department whose efforts have, for the second week in a row, resulted in the removal of an illegally possessed firearm and a significant amount of fentanyl from our streets. I thank the assisting agencies on this case, particularly the Chicago Police Department for air support, for their valued partnership in keeping our communities safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Daniel Orescanin for their efforts in securing strong charges against Mr. Ellis.

— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin

“Once again, our officers’ proactive efforts have resulted in getting another illegal gun and fentanyl off the street. I’d like to thank our officers for their bravery, commitment and dedication to keeping our community safe. Thanks to the agencies that assisted us with this incident, specifically the CPD helicopter which is such an invaluable resource. Finally, thank you to State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and guidance in this case.”

— Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis

Ellis’ next court appearance is scheduled for March 24, 2025, in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

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’s Office

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