Street Racer Had Improperly Restrained Toddler In Car: Plainfield PD

PLAINFIELD, IL — A Joliet man street racing in Plainfield this summer was found to be driving with an improperly restrained small child in tow, police revealed.

The incident, included in a Plainfield police blotter last week, occurred Aug. 29 near Route 59 and 135th Street.

A Plainfield officer was driving an unmarked police car southbound on Route 59, nearing the intersection of 135th Street when, in his rearview mirror, he saw two cars driving next to each other at a high rate of speed. When one of the cars, a black Ford Mustang, sped past the undercover cop car, the officer activated his emergency lights and siren, according to Cmdr. Anthony Novak.

The Mustang driver, later identified as 32-year-old Joel Ballard, cooperated with the officer by initially pulling over, but then fled at a high rate of speed and "was also seen passing several vehicles in a reckless manner," Novak told Patch.

The officer went to the address listed on the Mustang's registration, on Lilac Lane in Joliet, and when the sports car pulled into the driveway, the officer pulled in behind the Mustang.

Novak said the officer identified Ballard as the driver he initially attempted to stop. He also witnessed a 2-year-old child "in the backseat, not properly within a child restrain system."

Ballard was cited with the following and issued a notice to appear:

1. Attempt fleeing and eluding
2. Improper lane usage
3. Reckless driving
4. Street racing
5. Tinted windows
6. Failure to signal
7. Endangering the life and health of a child