An 18-year-old DeKalb man was denied pretrial release after being charged with leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen car, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean.
Yohanice Jones Skipper, 18, of the 800 block of Ridge Drive, DeKalb, is charged with one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony), one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony), one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony), two counts of Misdemeanor Resisting a Police Officer, one count of Misdemeanor Driving While License Suspended and one count of Misdemeanor Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Damage to an Attended Vehicle, according to a news release.
A alleged juvenile accomplice is charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony), and was scheduled for a court appearance on Wednesday.
According to Berlin’s office, around 9:54 p.m. Monday Elmhurst police became aware of a pursuit involving a 2017 Hyundai Elantra allegedly stolen in Maywoord that was wanted for an armed robbery in River Forest. The Elmhurst Police Department stationed multiple squad cars near the I-290 exit at York Road. The suspected vehicle, allegedly driven by Jones Skipper with the juvenile as a passenger, exited I-290 at York Road and came to a stop at a traffic light near the exit, the release said.
Allegedly multiple Elmhurst police squad cars attempted to box in the Elantra, at which time, Jones Skipper fled the scene, striking the front passenger side of an Elmhurst squad car. The release said officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and pursued the Elantra eastbound on Crestview Avenue where Jones Skipper allegedly reached speeds of approximately 72 mph in a 25-mph zone.
Jones Skipper allegedly then drove over a curb where Crestview Avenue comes to a dead end and stopped the car near a residence where both he and the juvenile fled on foot. The juvenile was quickly taken into custody at this time and officers allegedly found a handgun located in his coat pocket and a bullet in his pants pocket, according to the release.
After a brief foot pursuit, Jones Skipper was taken into custody in the backyard of a residence, the release said. When searching the area, officers found a loaded handgun with one bullet in the chamber next to a garage close to where Jones Skipper was taken into custody.
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“In DuPage County, anyone who attempts to flee from the police will soon find themselves arrested, charged, and aggressively prosecuted,” Berlin said in the release. “The cooperative efforts displayed by multiple law enforcement agencies sends the unmistakable message that we will not tolerate any display of contempt for the rule of law that puts the motoring public and innocent pedestrians at risk, and we will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our communities. What is particularly aggravating in this case are the allegations that Mr. Jones Skipper and his accomplice allegedly reach speeds of more than seventy mph in a residential neighborhood and were allegedly armed as they attempted to flee police on foot through the neighborhood. I commend the Elmhurst Police Department for not only their efforts on this case, but also for their ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe.”
“The swift coordination of law enforcement resources in this incident led to the capture of two armed suspects within minutes of entering our city,” McLean said. “The efforts of the Elmhurst Police Department’s first responder drone program, two police K9s and strong multiagency teamwork is a formidable strategy keeping our community safe. I’m thankful no officers were injured apprehending the suspects or their fleeing vehicle.”
Jones Skipper’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 11, for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.