DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Illinois State Police Troop 15 Commander Linda Mandat announced today that bond has been set for a Sleepy Hollow woman accused of leading police on a high-speed chase. Tianna Bryson, 23 (d.o.b. 10/2/1999) of the 800 block of Hemlock Drive, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $25,000 with 10% to apply. Bryson is charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and multiple Misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including two counts of Speeding 35+ mph Over the Limit (Class A Misdemeanor).
On March 7, 2023, at approximately 12:27 p.m., an Illinois State Trooper allegedly observed Bryson’s 2016 Volkswagen Jetta traveling 107 mph in a 60-mph zone westbound on I-88 in Naperville. The trooper performed a traffic stop on the vehicle. It is alleged however, that as the trooper walked towards Bryson’s vehicle, she fled the scene at a high rate of speed. The trooper reinitiated the pursuit, during which Bryson allegedly reached speeds of 120 mph, was weaving in and out of traffic and at one time drove on the shoulder of the road. The trooper ultimately terminated the pursuit for safety reasons. Through the course of their work on this case, authorities identified Bryson as the driver of the vehicle. She turned herself in to authorities later that evening.
“The surge in recent months of motorists fleeing from police is of great concern as this type of behavior is extremely dangerous and poses a threat not only to the driver, but also puts the police officers involved and motoring public at great risk,” Berlin said. “Thankfully, no innocent motorists or bystanders were injured or worse as a result of Ms. Bryson’s alleged actions. The message is simple, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over. Leading police on a high-speed chase is not the answer and will only make matters worse. I thank the Illinois State Police for not only their work and good judgement on this case, but also for their ongoing efforts in keeping our roadways safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Pingaj and Andrew Poncer for their work on this case."
“The Illinois State Police takes this and all types of criminal activity very seriously,” stated ISP Troop 15 Commander Linda Mandat. “Public safety is our number one priority and with the help of modern technology, we were able to keep the public safe and continue our investigation to bring this offender to justice,” she concluded.
Bryson’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 4, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge Telander.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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