Man Crashes Into House In Villa Park Chase: Cops

HINSDALE, IL – A drunk driver crashed into a house while leading Villa Park police on a chase earlier this week, authorities said.

Thomas Whitlock, 38, of Lombard, was arrested for his third DUI, police said.

About 9 p.m. Sunday, a Villa Park officer was called to Jewel because the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was speeding, DuPage County prosecutors said in a news release.

Whitlock failed to stop for the officer, who turned on his emergency lights, police said. Whitlock then reached speeds of 69 mph in a 25 mph zone, authorities said.

The pursuit continued to Lombard. That's where Whitlock lost control of the truck and crashed into a house in the 900 block of East Maple Street, according to the release.

Police said Whitlock then ran away, but was caught.

Officers found an open bottle of Tito's vodka in the front passenger's seat, the release said. Whitlock was taken to a local hospital.

His blood-alcohol level was reported at .232, nearly three times the limit under state law.

"It is alleged that following an evening of drinking, Thomas Whitlock made the unwise decision to not only get behind the wheel of a truck, but to also lead police on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood, ultimately crashing his truck into a residence," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the news release.

Whitlock was charged with aggravated DUI, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and aggravated fleeing and eluding an officer. He also faces 14 counts of misdemeanor and petty driving offenses.