LISLE, IL — A Chicago man who is a convicted felon faces more charges after police say he fled a traffic stop in Lisle, crashed into a traffic light pole in Downers Grove and had a gun in his possession when he was arrested.
Manuel Figueroa, 36, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, aggravated fleeing and eluding and driving under the influence, along with other misdemeanor traffic violations.
Police say they attempted to pull Figueroa over near the intersection of Warrenville Road and Route 53 for traffic violations around 2 a.m. Monday.
According to prosecutors, Figueroa fled, hitting speeds of up to 60 mph in a 45 mph zones before officers ended the pursuit amid safety concerns.
Shortly after, police found Figueroa in Downers Grove, where he had crashed into a traffic light pole that fell onto his car.
Figueroa is accused of trying to flee on foot before he was taken into custody.
Police reported that Figueroa's eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and that he was "unsteady on his feet," a news release said.
According to prosecutors, a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver handgun was found on the floorboard below the driver's seat on Figueroa's car.
“Like so many before him, Mr. Figueroa allegedly tried to outrun the police instead of simply pulling over,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.
Berlin added, “To make matters worse, as a convicted felon, Mr. Figueroa has forfeited his right to legally possess a gun. The allegations that this defendant fled from the police, while armed with a loaded weapon and drunk, are extremely alarming and will be met with the full force of the law."
Figueroa is set to appear in court on May 11.
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