Florida Man Flees Cops In Elmhurst, Villa Park: Police

ELMHURST, IL – A Florida man led police on a chase that started in Elmhurst and ended up in Oak Brook, authorities said Friday.

Omar Castro, 22, of Riverview, Florida, was arrested on a number of charges.

About 8:30 p.m. Thursday, an Elmhurst officer responded to a call about a stolen car near Route 83 and North Avenue.

When the officer arrived, the driver, identified as Castro, put his car in reverse and went south on Route 83, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors. He reached speeds of 107 mph in a 45 mph zone and ran three traffic lights, police said.

In Oak Brook, Castro made a U-turn and went north, driving 100 mph in a 35 mph work zone, which is when the pursuing officer lost sight of the car, police said.

Shortly after, the car was found abandoned in a school parking lot. Castro was arrested after a brief struggle a block away, prosecutors said. At one point, the chase entered Villa Park, but it was unclear which part.

"The type of behavior alleged against Mr. Castro 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," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the news release. "Thankfully, no innocent motorists or bystanders were injured or worse as a result of Mr. Castro’s alleged actions."

Castro was charged with the felony of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer and the misdemeanors of aggravated speeding in a construction zone, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. Police said they determined the car was stolen.