Man Hit More Than 100 MPH While Fleeing Cops: Carol Stream PD

CAROL STREAM, IL — A Carol Stream man is being held in DuPage County Jail after police say he fled officers who pulled him over, hitting speeds of more than 100 mph.

Fernando Jimenez, 44, of the 600 block of Gunderson Drive, was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, aggravated DUI and driving with a suspended license in connection with Monday's incident. According to prosecutors, this is the fifth DUI violation for Jimenez.

Police say they pulled Jimenez over just before 12:30 a.m. on St. Charles Road after he tried to make an improper turn while driving east. According to police, Jimenez had bloodshot, glassy eyes and a "strong odor of alcohol" when he was pulled over, a news release said.

Jimenez is accused of driving off from the traffic stop and heading east on Thornhill Drive at speeds of up to 74 mph as police pursued him. He is further accused of running a red light at Schmale Road.

From Schmale, police say Jimenez drove east on St. Charles Road, reaching speeds of 104 mph in a zone with a 40 mph speed limit.

Police stopped pursuing Jimenez near President Street "for safety reasons," the news release said. He was arrested shortly after near his apartment.

“It is alleged that Mr. Jimenez not only chose to drive after he had been drinking, but he also made the decision to flee from the police at an extremely high rate of speed, putting innocent lives at risk,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin added, "Once again, the successful apprehension of the defendant in this case sends a loud and clear message that in DuPage County we will not stand for this type of blatant disregard for public safety and the rule of law. Simply put, if you flee from police, you will be caught and face additional charges."

Jimenez is set to appear in court again Nov. 3.