Paroled Burglar Aims Car at Cop During High Speed Chase: Prosecutor

Michael Zyla | Cook County Sheriff

A paroled burglar is accused of aiming his car at an Oak Forest police officer during a chase that began as a domestic issue, prosecutors said.

Oak Forest police received a call from a woman following Zyla’s car in her own vehicle on Jan. 23. Officers were able to sync the two vehicles and continue the pursuit, according to the charges.

Oak Forest police pursued Zyla’s vehicle with their lights activated. One of the police vehicles pulled in front of Zyla’s car, prosecutors said.

The officer got out of his car and stood in the road, ordering Zyla to stop. Instead, Zyla allegedly aimed his car at the officer, who had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.

Prosecutors said during the pursuit Zyla was driving 50 mph in a 30mph-speed zone and disobeyed several stop signs.

Zyla’s attorney told the judge that his client was on his way home after visiting the woman. Zyla turned himself into Oak Forest police. He also denies trying to run over the police officer.

Illinois Department of Corrections records indicate that Zyla was paroled in August 2015 after serving 19 months of a three-year sentence for burglary. He also served time in jail for aggravated domestic battery.

Zyla was charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing from a police officer and aggravated assault.

The judge set bail at $200,000. Zyla is due back in court Feb. 19 in Bridgeview.