DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Bensenville Chief of Police Daniel Schulze announced today that bond has been set for a Wood Dale man accused of leading police on an hour-long, 100-mph, high-speed chase. Anthony Oplinger, 27 (d.o.b. 6/25/1995) of the 300 block of Hiawatha Trail, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Daniel Guerin set bond at $100,000 with 10% to apply. Oplinger is charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Peace Officer, a Class 4 Felony, and more than a dozen Misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including Speeding 35+ MPH Over the Speed Limit and Reckless Driving.
On May 30, 2023, at approximately 10:08 p.m., officers with the Bensenville Police Department observed a vehicle near Jefferson Street and Church Road that was wanted out of Schiller Park for an Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding incident in April. Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and initiated pursuit near Route 83 until the vehicle allegedly entered eastbound I-290, at which time an Illinois State Police helicopter and airplane continued to monitor the vehicle. It is alleged that the vehicle, later determined to be driven by Oplinger, continued to drive on I-290 to Chicago only to return to Route 83 in Bensenville at which time Bensenville police officers reactivated their lights and sirens and continued pursuing the vehicle. It is further alleged that after officers deployed spike strips, Oplinger continued to drive to unincorporated Addison where he pulled into a random driveway and fled the vehicle on foot. Oplinger was taken into custody a short time later. It is alleged that the entire pursuit lasted for approximately one hour and that Oplinger reached speeds in excess of 100 mph. At the time of his arrest, Oplinger’s driver’s license suspended.
“The allegations that Mr. Oplinger led police on an hour-long, 100-mph chase to Chicago and back are outrageous,” Berlin said. “Mr. Oplinger’s alleged actions put the lives of officers and the public at risk. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in DuPage County where we use every tool available to us including helicopters, airplanes and assistance from other agencies, as in this case, to apprehend anyone who attempts to flee from police. With these resources available to us, the message to all motorists is clear, if you see lights and hear sirens, pull over. Do not attempt to flee, as you will be caught and will only make matters worse for yourself. I commend the Bensenville Police Department for their efforts in apprehending the defendant in this case and thank the Illinois State Police for air support. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sara Henley and Alexis Gamboa for their efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Oplinger.”
“Mr. Oplinger had a fast car and didn’t hesitate to run from the police, but yesterday, his luck ran out thanks to the collaborative efforts put forth by the officers from all the agencies involved,” Schulze said. “We are fortunate to have the unparalleled support of DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office who prosecute these types of cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
Oplinger’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 28, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge Guerin.
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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