Driver Flees Cops, Causes Crash That Injures Officer: Des Plaines PD

DES PLAINES, IL — Following a nearly five-month investigation, a Vernon Hills woman has been charged with seven felonies stemming from a January incident in which she sped away from police after being pulled over and caused a car accident that injured herself and a police officer.

Donna Plodzien Dolezal, 67, of the 1100 block of Dearborn Lane, was charged with the following:

• 6 felony counts of aggravated fleeing to elude a peace officer
• 1 felony count of aggravated reckless driving (great bodily harm)
• driving at least 21 mph over the posted speed limit
• causing bodily injury to a person
• causing property damage in excess of $300
• disobeying two or more traffic devices
• concealing a vehicle's registration plate
• speeding at least 35 mph over the speed limit
• no front or rear registration plate

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office approved the felony charges. Plodzien Dolezal was released following her arrest.

At around 11:36 p.m. Jan. 16, Des Plaines police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black Mercedes-Benz without any registration in the 1700 Block of Miner Street. When officers activated their emergency lights, the vehicle reportedly fled at a high rate of speed, westbound on Miner Street. Officers saw the vehicle disregard several red lights as it fled.

Police continued to pursue the vehicle westbound on Northwest Highway to Kennicott Boulevard in Arlington Heights. As officers were able to get near the fleeing vehicle, Plodzien Dolezal abruptly turned left, causing a police vehicle to strike her car. Both the police officer and Plodzien Dolezal were injured as a result of the accident.

Both were taken into a local hospital, where they were treated for their injuries. Due to Plodzien Dolezal's need for definitive medical care, the Des Plaines Police Department did not charge her at the time of the incident.

After further follow-up investigation, Des Plaines notified the Vernon Hills Police Department of the incident and on May 2, they notified the Des Plaines Police Department that their officers had detained Plodzien Dolezal.