(Initial press release issued by DuPage County on Friday, April 14, 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. Christian Casimiro, 25 (d.o.b. 7/25/1997) of the 500 block of E. Lester, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $5,000 with 10% to apply. The State had asked for a bond of $50,000 with 10% to apply. Casimiro is charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, a Class 4 Felony and twenty Misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.
On April 13, 2023, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a West Chicago police officer on patrol observed a northbound 2015 Jeep Wrangler, allegedly driven by Casimiro, fail to stop at a red light at Route 59 and Forest Avenue. The officer began to follow the Jeep and activated his emergency lights and sirens at which time the Jeep allegedly began to slow down but then sped up and fled. It is alleged that the Jeep then led the officer on a high-speed chase through a shopping mall, a residential area, over a grassy hill and into the Timber Lakes Apartment complex. It is further alleged that during the pursuit Casimiro reached speeds of approximately sixty to sixty-five mph and ignored five stop signs and two traffic control devices. It is alleged that the pursuit came to an end when Casimiro reached a dead end at which time he exited the car and fled on foot. Casimiro was taken into custody a short time later with the help of a K9 officer in a stairwell at the apartment complex.
“The alarming increase we have seen the past several months of motorists fleeing from police shows no signs of stopping,” Berlin said. “I can’t be more clear - anyone who attempts to flee from police will be caught and will only find themselves facing more serious charges. Thankfully, no innocent motorists or pedestrians were injured or worse as a result of Mr. Casimiro’s alleged actions. I urge everyone, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over. Attempting to outrun the police will only make things worse for you. I thank the West Chicago Police Department for not only their work on this case, but also for their ongoing efforts in keeping our roadways safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorney Rob Willis for his work on this case."
“Unfortunately, incidents of vehicles fleeing from the police have been increasing at an alarming rate,” Fleury said. “The City of West Chicago takes this issue very seriously, as it recognizes the dangers these reckless individuals place on the public. My team will continue to take the appropriate measures to bring these dangerous offenders to justice and to work with State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office staff to ensure that the punishment suits this dangerous activity.”
Casimiro’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 11, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge Telander.
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.