Chase Starts Near Elmhurst, Ends In Crash: Cops

VILLA PARK, IL – A man who led officers on a police chase ended up crashing into a car with three teenage girls, who were not seriously injured, authorities said.

Andres Galvez, 37, of Lombard, was charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer and misdemeanors and petty traffic offenses such as reckless driving and driving with a revoked license, police said.

The chase started shortly before noon Friday near Route 83 and Riverside Drive, which is close to Villa Park's boundary with Elmhurst, police said.

A Villa Park officer tried to stop Galvez for speeding, but the man then ran a red light at Riverside and Route 83 and reached speeds over 100 mph, police said.

At Route 83 and 31st Street in Oak Brook, Galvez drove around an Oak Brook squad car, ran another red light and crashed into the teens' car, causing airbags to deploy, police said. Paramedics treated the teens, but no serious injuries were reported, police said.

Galvez was currently out on a $150,000 bond for possession with intent to deliver cocaine and aggravated fleeing and eluding, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors. The bond was issued before the law that eliminated cash bail took effect.

"As I’ve said in the past but bears repeating, if you hear sirens and see lights behind you, pull over," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the news release. "Do not attempt to outrun the police as you will not be successful and will be arrested, charged and prosecuted. We are all thankful the victims in the car Mr. Galvez allegedly crashed into were not seriously injured."