Alleged juvenile accomplice will appear at detention hearing tomorrow
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a DeKalb man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle. Yohanice Jones Skipper, 18 (d.o.b. 3/28/2005) of the 800 block of Ridge Drive, appeared at First Appearance Court this afternoon charged with one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony), one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony), one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony), two counts of Misdemeanor Resisting a Police Officer, one count of Misdemeanor Driving While License Suspended and one count of Misdemeanor Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Damage to an Attended Vehicle. The juvenile, a seventeen-year-old male from Bellwood, is scheduled to appear at a detention hearing tomorrow. The juvenile is charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony).
On November 13, 2023, at approximately 9:54 p.m., upon learning of a pursuit involving a 2017 Hyundai Elantra allegedly stolen out of Maywood that was wanted for an armed robbery out of River Forest, the Elmhurst Police Department stationed multiple squad cars near the I-290 exit at York Road. It is alleged that the suspected vehicle, allegedly driven by Jones Skipper with the juvenile as a passenger, exited I-290 at York Road and came to a stop at a traffic light near the exit. It is alleged that multiple squad cars with the Elmhurst Police Department attempted to box in the Elantra, at which time, Jones Skipper fled the scene, striking the front passenger side of an Elmhurst squad car. It is alleged that officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and pursued the Elantra eastbound on Crestview Avenue where Jones Skipper allegedly reached speeds of approximately 72 mph in a 25-mph zone. It is further alleged that Jones Skipper then drove over a curb where Crestview Avenue comes to a dead end and stopped the car near a residence where both he and the juvenile fled on foot. The juvenile was quickly taken into custody at this time and officers allegedly found a handgun located in his coat pocket and a bullet in his pants pocket. After a brief foot pursuit, Jones Skipper was taken into custody in the backyard of a residence. When searching the area, officers found a loaded handgun with one bullet in the chamber next to a garage close to where Jones Skipper was taken into custody.
“In DuPage County, anyone who attempts to flee from the police will soon find themselves arrested, charged, and aggressively prosecuted,” Berlin said. “The cooperative efforts displayed by multiple law enforcement agencies sends the unmistakable message that we will not tolerate any display of contempt for the rule of law that puts the motoring public and innocent pedestrians at risk, and we will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our communities. What is particularly aggravating in this case are the allegations that Mr. Jones Skipper and his accomplice allegedly reach speeds of more than seventy mph in a residential neighborhood and were allegedly armed as they attempted to flee police on foot through the neighborhood. I commend the Elmhurst Police Department for not only their efforts on this case, but also for their ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe. I thank the Illinois State Police, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick’s Office, the Bensenville, Villa Park, and Oak Brook Police Departments as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Alexandria Levan and Michael McBride for their work on this case.”
“The swift coordination of law enforcement resources in this incident led to the capture of two armed suspects within minutes of entering our city,” McLean said. “The efforts of the Elmhurst Police Department’s first responder drone program, two police K9s and strong multi-agency teamwork is a formidable strategy keeping our community safe. I’m thankful no officers were injured apprehending the suspects or their fleeing vehicle. I’d also like to thank the Illinois State Police, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, the Bensenville, Villa Park, and Oak Brook Police Departments for their assistance as well as State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their legal guidance on this case.”
Jones Skipper’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 11, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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