An Aurora woman charged in connection with a high-speed police chase allegedly drove through seven red lights in Naperville before getting onto Interstate 88 and hitting speeds of more than 120 mph, officials said.
The incident began about 1:20 a.m. Saturday when Naperville police spotted a gun inside a vehicle parked at Bowlero, 1515 Aurora Ave., and waited for the driver to return, according to a release issued by the DuPage State’s Attorney’s Office and the Naperville Police Department.
Imira Williams, 22, of the 600 block of North Randall Road, and an unknown male companion were observed by police officers returning to the vehicle and smoking cannabis inside before they were asked to exit so a search could be conducted, the report said.
The man was seen moving items around inside the car before getting out and fleeing, officials said. Williams initially exited the car but then got back in and drove off, allegedly driving directly at a police officer’s squad car and forcing him to swerve to avoid being hit, the report said.
As she fled, police say Williams drove through seven red lights in Naperville before entering I-88, where she reached a high speed of about 122 mph before being stopped with the assistance of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.
Williams was charged with felony aggravated fleeing and eluding and misdemeanor attempted aggravated assault. Judge Anthony Coco ordered her to be detained in the DuPage County jail.
“The alleged conduct of Ms. Williams demonstrates that she has absolutely no concern for public safety or for the safety of the officer involved in the pursuit,” State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.
“Judge Coco’s order to detain her pre-trial sends the message that in DuPage County we will not tolerate this type of dangerous behavior that poses a threat not only to the driver, but also puts the police officers involved and motoring public at great risk.”
William’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 26.