Aurora Man Charged with Leading Naperville Police on a 123-MPH High-Speed Chase
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~ DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres held a joint press conference today to announce that Judge Leah Bendik has granted the State's motion to deny pre-trial release for Mitchell Simmons, a 31-year-old man from Aurora. Simmons is facing multiple charges, including Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, Aggravated Assault on an Officer, Reckless Driving, Driving While License Suspended, and Unauthorized Use of Handicapped Parking.

According to the authorities, the incident occurred on July 25, 2024 at approximately 12:48 a.m. when officers from the Naperville Police Department noticed a vehicle illegally parked in a handicapped parking space at the Naperville Extended Stay. As they approached the vehicle, they found Simmons in the driver's seat with his eyes closed and his pants around his ankles. When officers asked for his driver's license and insurance, Simmons was non-compliant.

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It is alleged that when officers ordered him out of the vehicle, Simmons put it in reverse and accelerated, striking a marked Naperville Police Department squad car. One officer had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit by the vehicle. The defendant then fled onto Diehl Road with six police vehicles in pursuit with their emergency lights and sirens activated.

The chase continued onto Route 59 and I-88 where Simmons reached speeds of approximately 123 m.p.h. He then entered I-290 where he allegedly drove at speeds exceeding 100 m.p.h., even through a construction zone. The Hinsdale Police Department successfully deployed spike strips on I-290 which disabled one tire on Simmons' vehicle. However, he continued driving at high speeds even after officers from Oak Brook were able to disable another tire.

Simmons eventually exited the expressway onto 25th Street where he turned onto a dead-end street and crashed into a chain link fence. He then fled on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit. No innocent motorists were injured during the chase.

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State's Attorney Berlin expressed his outrage at Simmons' alleged actions, stating that they demonstrate a complete disregard for public safety and the rule of law. He also thanked the Naperville Police Department for their efforts in this case, as well as the Oak Brook and Hinsdale Police Departments for their assistance in apprehending the defendant before he could cause serious harm to himself or others.

Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres also spoke at the press conference, emphasizing the danger posed by high-speed pursuits and thanking all law enforcement personnel involved in apprehending Simmons. He stated that their department remains committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten it.

Simmons' next court appearance is scheduled for August 19, 2024, where he will be arraigned in front of Judge Margaret O'Connell. The public is reminded that these charges are only allegations and that Simmons is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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