Theft Suspect Speeds Through Elmhurst During Chase

ELMHURST, IL – A man driving a stolen car led police from Villa Park to Elmhurst late Saturday morning, authorities said.

Cleveland Smith, 51, of Maywood, was arrested and taken to the DuPage County Jail, police said.

About 11:30 a.m., a Villa Park officer saw a 2006 red Toyota 4Runner that was reported stolen five days earlier in Chicago, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors.

The officer saw the car while waiting at the traffic light on St. Charles Road and Route 83. The officer walked over to Smith's car, but Smith sped away, heading east on St. Charles into Elmhurst, police said.

Smith then exited onto westbound Interstate 290, where he drove on the shoulder at one point and nearly struck a motorcyclist, police said.

Smith then left the expressway and led officers onto Lake Street, Route 83, North Avenue and York Street, where officers deployed spike strips, the news release said.

Even after hitting the spike strips, Smith continued to flee and drove on the parkway until his car gave out on Diversey Avenue, police said. He was arrested.

During the pursuit, Smith reached speeds of 90 mph, police said. Officers found open and closed bottles of alcohol and a crack pipe in the car, according to the release.

"We can’t say it loud enough or often enough: If you hear lights and sirens, please pull over to the right for everyone’s safety," Villa Park Police Chief Michael Rivas said in the news release. "The alleged offender’s actions will always dictate our response."