Elmhurst Theft Suspect Crashes In High-Speed Chase: Cops

ELMHURST, IL – A man who stole merchandise from an Elmhurst store Monday led police on a high-speed chase that ended when he crashed into a utility pole, authorities said.

Jeremiah Funches, 21, of Cook County, was taken to the DuPage County Jail, where a judge ordered him to stay until his trial, prosecutors said.

Late Monday morning, Elmhurst police were called for a retail theft at Kohl's, 303 S. Route 83, according to a news release from the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.

Funches selected an Adidas backpack, placed clothing inside it and then left the store, entering a 2013 Kia Sorrento that was stolen in La Salle County, police said.

Shortly before noon, a Villa Park officer found the Kia near Villa Avenue and St. Charles Road, but Funches would not stop, police said.

Funches ignored stop signs on Villa Avenue and reached speeds of 90 mph in a 25 mph zone, according to the news release.

Funches turned west on Roosevelt Road and crashed into another car, but did not stop. After hitting a wooden utility pole, he was arrested, police said.

Funches was charged with unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, burglary, aggravated fleeing and eluding, and DUI, among other offenses.

"Like so many before him, Mr. Funches allegedly tried to outrun the police instead of simply pulling over," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the news release. "Speeding through a residential area in the middle of a summer afternoon, as alleged in this case, is a direct threat to the lives of countless innocent pedestrians, including children enjoying their summer break."