10/19/2026
Court Grants State’s Motion to Detain Pre-Trial Chicago Man Charged with Leading Police on High-Speed Chase
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago man charged with leading police on a high-speed chase early Sunday morning. William Brown, 32 (d.o.b. 3/4/1994) of the 13000 block of Drexel Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony) and multiple Misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.
On October 18, 2026, at approximately 2:08 a.m., an officer with the Oak Brook Police Department allegedly observed a Chevrolet Equinox northbound on Midwest Road toward Kimberly Circle. It is alleged that as the Equinox approached the officer, the driver, later identified as Brown, turned off his headlights. It is alleged that the officer followed the Equinox as it turned onto Kimberly Circle, made a U-turn and returned to Midwest Road traveling southbound, at which time the officer activated his emergency lights and siren. It is alleged that instead of pulling over, Brown accelerated away from the officer, struck a coyote and crossed over double yellow traffic lines several times as he weaved between motorists. It is alleged that the Equinox continued to flee the officer onto Cass Avenue at speeds of approximately 109 mph into downtown Westmont. It is further alleged that Brown disobeyed multiple red lights and ultimately made his way to a residential area on Hinswood Drive at which time the officer terminated pursuit but remained in the area. As the residential area Brown allegedly entered was a no outlet subdivision, officers set up spike strips in the entrance of the subdivision and began searching the area. It is alleged that on multiple occasions, Brown approached the area where the squad cars were set up, however, upon seeing the squad cars, he turned around and returned to the subdivision. At approximately 2:17 a.m., officers located the Equinox in the 1000 block of Hinswood Ave, abandoned. With the help of a police drone, a Willowbrook police officer located Brown near an elementary school on Concord Place and, after a brief foot pursuit, took Brown into custody.
“The type of behavior alleged against Mr. Brown 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. “Time and time again, we have seen individuals attempt to outrun the police and time after time, they are unsuccessful. Thankfully, no innocent motorists were injured or worse in this instance. One again I remind the public, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over. I commend the Oak Brook Police Department for their efforts, good judgement and effective use of drone support on this case, as well as the Willowbrook Police Department for their efforts in the apprehension of Mr. Brown. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sandi Tanoue and John Segoviano for their work in securing charges against the defendant.”
“We have seen a sharp decline in police pursuits this year in large part because the word is out that in Oak Brook there are consequences for fleeing from the police,” Strockis said. “I’d like to thank our officers for continuing to use the tools, training and tactics to bring fleeing criminals to justice. I’d also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and guidance in this case.”
Brown’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 9, 2026, in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
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.
