Driver Who Triggered Manhunt Charged With Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding: Prosecutor

BRIDGEVIEW, IL -- The driver of a minivan who allegedly fled and dodged law enforcement that triggered a massive manhunt in Bridgeview, was ordered held on $150,000 bail. The driver is currently on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections and has a lengthy criminal record.

Kelvin Everett, 36, of Glenwood, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony aggravated fleeing and eluding charge. More charges may be forthcoming, the prosecutor said.

Federal authorities attempted to stop the minivan Tuesday evening at the Southfield Plaza Shopping Center at 87th Street and Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview. The prosecutor said Everett and the other two occupants in the vehicle were believed to be involved in a plan to commit an armed robbery, reportedly a bank robbery. The minivan failed to stop and instead fled through the plaza’s parking lot, blowing out a tire, according to the charges.

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The minivan drove at a high rate of speed southbound on Harlem Avenue, clocking 80mph, the prosecutor said. The chase car turned off its lights and siren but kept the minivan in sight.

As the minivan exited the eastbound ramp off Harlem Avenue onto 95th Street, the driver lost control and crashed the vehicle, the prosecutor said. Everett and two other occupants exited the vehicle and fled into the surrounding neighborhood.

Everett was seen allegedly jumping the fence. Police found a black bag with a fully loaded rifle and Glock. The prosecutor said that the bag of weapons could not be attributed to Everett at this time, so he’s charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding. The other suspect said to be apprehended in the manhunt was not in court on Wednesday. The third suspect is reportedly still at large.

The ensuing manhunt drew heavily armed officers and forced congregants at the Mosque Foundation to shelter in place as law enforcement authorities searched for the three suspects.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Everett is the father of four and is employed rehabbing homes.

“He hasn’t been charged with weapons or bank robbery,” the assistant public defender said.

Everett was released on parole in December 2016 from the Stateville Correctional Center, where he was serving a 30-month sentence for aggravated fleeing and eluding. He also has convictions for burglary, possession of a controlled substance, armed robbery, aggravated unlawful use of weapon and manufacture and delivery of cocaine, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Bail was set at $150,000. Everett is due back in court June 19 in Bridgeview.