Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– A juvenile was arrested on June 28 and charged with aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude, no valid driver’s license, leaving the scene of an accident, and curfew violation after an officer observed a vehicle driving suspiciously on Westwood Drive near Rich East High School. After stopping the vehicle, police discovered that the driver was only 15-years-old.
The incident began at 1:34 a.m. when an officer observed a vehicle pulled into the north parking lot of Rich East High School and stopped. The vehicle then pulled out of the parking lot and drove to Rich Court, where it turned westbound into Rich Court, according to police. After approximately 2 minutes, police observed the vehicle leave Rich Court, turn northbound on Westwood Drive, and then make a right turn on Lakewood Boulevard. At one point, police observed the vehicle close to the curb, almost striking it.
After more twists and turns, the vehicle made its way back to Westwood Drive and Westgate Drive, where the pursuing officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop at 11:38 a.m. Instead of stopping, the vehicle sped up, traveling northbound Westwood Drive. While following the vehicle, the officer observed that was driving in the middle of the road over lane line markings and into oncoming traffic. At this point, the vehicle was traveling 45 mph in a posted 30 mph area, according to police. The vehicle continued on Wildwood Dr., ignoring a stop sign at Westwood Drive, according to police. Upon reaching Well Street, police say the vehicle slowed down momentarily, and then accelerated in excess of 60 mph.
The vehicle then drove through the intersection at North Orchard Drive, again disregarding a stop sign, according to police. While trying to navigate the curve on Westwood Drive just east of Park Street, police say the vehicle drove into the westbound traffic lane, almost striking another vehicle.
After driving onto Norwood Drive police say the vehicle lost control, fish-tailing back and forth. After gaining control, the vehicle turned northbound on Western Avenue, disobeying the red traffic light, according to police. Once on Western Avenue, the vehicle accelerated to a speed in excess of 80 mph, according to police.
After notifying dispatch of the speed, the pursuing officer was ordered to terminate the pursuit in the interest of safety. The pursuing officer complied as the vehicle continued northbound on Western Avenue, ignoring the red light at Lincoln Highway. An officer from Olympia Fields Police Department was on Western Avenue at this time, and clocked the vehicle’s speed on his dash-mounted radar at 108 mph, according to police.
Police say the vehicle continued northbound as Olympia Fields police units attempted to catch up to it with no success. At Western Avenue and happens Road, the vehicle drove into a ditch on the west side of Western Avenue where and struck a tree, flipped over, coming to rest on its roof. Police located the vehicle after residents called SouthCom, advising that subjects were jumping over the fences in the backyards.
Police say the vehicle had extensive damage, especially the passenger side and the roof.
Police went to the registered owner’s address and discovered the teenager who appeared nervous, according to police. He had small scratches and cuts on his arms, his forehead, and those, plus willing to his left temple area. According to police, the youth admitted to being the driver and was taken into custody.
