Bond was set at $100,000 Friday for a Florida man arrested by Elmhurst police following a high-speed chase that looped along Route 83 from North Avenue south to 16th Street and back June 22.
Omar Castro, 22, of Riverview, Florida, appeared at a bond hearing Friday morning where DuPage County Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $100,000. Castro is charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, a Class 4 Felony, and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses, including two counts of aggravated speeding in a construction zone, reckless driving and driving with a suspended driver’s license, all class A misdemeanors.
The incident began about 8:28 p.m. Thursday when an Elmhurst police officer responded to a call of a stolen vehicle near Route 83 and North Avenue. According to a release from DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, as an Elmhurst officer approached the vehicle, Castro drove away southbound on Route 83.
As the officer pursued, Castro allegedly reached speeds of 107 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone. Near 16th Street, Castro made a U-turn and continued north on Route 83, again at speeds of approximately 100 mph, including through a 35 mph construction zone where the pursuing officer lost sight of Castro.
A short time later, the vehicle was found abandoned in a school parking lot. Officers responded to the area and soon took Castro into custody after a brief struggle about a block from the school.
“The type of behavior alleged against Mr. Castro is extremely dangerous and poses a threat not only to the driver, but also puts the police officers involved and motoring public at great risk,” Berlin said in a statement. “Thankfully, no innocent motorists or bystanders were injured or worse as a result of Mr. Castro’s alleged actions. Once again, I want to remind the public, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over. Leading police on a high-speed chase is not the answer and will only make matters worse.”
Berlin thanked police officers from both Elmhurst and Villa Park for stopping Castro.
Castro’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 27 for arraignment in front of DuPage County Circuit Court Judge Brian Telander.
Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.