(Initial press release issued by DuPage County on Monday, April 3, 2023)
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury announced today that bond has been set for a West Chicago man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase. Salvador Bautista, 19 (d.o.b. 6/3/2003) of the 600 block of E. Grand Lake Boulevard, is charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, a Class 4 Felony.
On March 31, 2023, at approximately 10:16 a.m., a West Chicago police officer performed a traffic stop on a vehicle, allegedly driven by Bautista, near Ingalton Avenue and National Street. It is alleged that during the stop, Bautista gave his driver’s license to the officer. It is further alleged that during the traffic stop, Bautista put his car into drive and sped away from the officer leaving his driver’s license with the officer. It is further alleged that during a high-speed pursuit, which was called off due to safety concerns, Bautista reached speeds exceeding 82 mph in a 25 mph-zone and ignored two stop signs. Following the incident, Judge Alex McGimpsey issued a $50,000 with 10% to apply arrest warrant for Bautista. Bautista turned himself in to authorities later that evening, posted the necessary 10%, or $5,000, and was released from custody.
“We have seen an alarming increase the past several months of motorists fleeing from police,” Berlin said. “What is particularly upsetting in this case is that Mr. Bautista allegedly reached speeds of more than 80 mph in a residential area just steps from the West Chicago Park District and an elementary school. Anyone who attempts to flee from police will be caught and will only find themselves facing more serious charges. Thankfully, no innocent motorists or bystanders were injured or worse as a result of Mr. Bautista’s alleged actions. I urge everyone, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over and cooperate with the police. Leading the police on a high-speed chase will only make matters worse. I thank the West Chicago Police Department for not only their work and good judgement on this case, but also for their ongoing efforts in keeping our roadways safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Pingaj for his work on this case."
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.