Man Who Hit Elmhurst Fire Truck Jailed: Cops

ELMHURST, IL – A Chicago man struck a fire truck and another car while officers chased him through Elmhurst on Monday, police said.

On Tuesday, a DuPage County judge granted prosecutors' request to keep Terrance Griggs, 24, in jail.

About 12:30 p.m. Monday, Berkeley police saw a 2017 Lexus RX350 F-Sport near Interstate 290 and York Street in Elmhurst, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors. Griggs, the driver, failed to pull over and sped away, police said.

Griggs reached speeds of 88 mph in a 30 mph zone heading south on York near Lake Street, the release said. That's when Elmhurst police got involved.

During the chase, Griggs struck an Elmhurst fire engine, causing $7,000 to $10,000 in damage, police said. He is also accused of hitting a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas.

According to the release, the Lexus came to a stop behind a business near Michigan Street and Gladys Avenue, with Elmhurst police saying he crashed and ran away.

About 15 minutes later, Griggs was apprehended in the 500 block of Willow Road, which is three blocks away, as he tried to get into an Uber, police said.

Griggs was charged with two counts of aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle and three counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding, all felonies. He also faces multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic charges.

"This phenomenon of ignoring the police and putting innocent motorists in harm’s way must stop before someone gets killed," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the release. "I urge all motorists, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over. Not doing so will not only make matters worse, but also puts all those involved as well as innocent people at risk."

The Lexus was stolen in May in Chicago, police said.