(Initial press release issued by DuPage County on Friday, August 21, 2023)
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury announced that bond was set over the weekend for an Algonquin man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase. Germaine Sharpe, 48 (d.o.b. 7/31/1975) of the 2300 block of Dawson Lane, appeared in Bond Court Sunday morning where Judge Angelo Kappas set bond at $150,000 with 10% to apply. Sharpe is charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Peace Officer and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance. Both charges are a Class 4 Felony.
On August 19, 2023, at approximately 1:03 a.m., a West Chicago police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle allegedly driven by Sharpe for traveling 62 mph in a 45-mph-zone. It is alleged that during the traffic stop the officer learned that Sharpe had an active failure to appear warrant out of Kane County and that during the traffic stop, Sharpe fled the scene onto North Avenue. It is further alleged that the officer pursued Sharpe onto North Avenue and ultimately onto St. Charles Road, where the pursuit came to an end after Sharpe struck a curb and damaged his vehicle. Sharpe was taken into custody at that time. It is alleged that during the pursuit, Sharpe reached speeds of approximately 80 mph in a 35-mph zone. It is further alleged that at the time of his arrest, Sharpe was in possession of approximately .5 grams of cocaine.
“Once again, a motorist who thought he could outrun the police now finds himself facing felony charges,” Berlin said. “In DuPage County, we will not sit idly by and allow irresponsible drivers to put innocent people at risk. This case again illustrates our unwavering commitment to removing dangerous drivers from our roads and holding them responsible for their alleged actions. I thank the West Chicago Police Department for their work on this case and for their continuing efforts in keeping our roadways safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys John Segoviano and Anthony Raimondi for their work in securing charges against Mr. Sharpe."
“We take fleeing and eluding very seriously, and I thank the officers involved in this case for their efforts that resulted in the apprehension of the alleged offender,” Fleury said. “I am thankful for the outstanding partnership we share with State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office in prosecuting these cases.”
Sharpe’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 18, 2023, 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. The 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.