Man Leads Cops On 125mph Car Chase Down LaGrange Road: Police

HICKORY HILLS, IL -- A Palos Hills man eluded police by driving over 125 mph during a car chase, prosecutors said. Mohammad Nakhleh, 27, appeared before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on felony charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding. Nakhleh is also charged with misdemeanor battery, disorderly conduct, aggravated assault, reckless driving and traffic violations,

According to the charges, Hickory Hills police responded to the 7900 block of West 93rd Street in response to a fight around 12:30 a.m. April 11. Officers attempted to block a Jeep Cherokee driven by a man later identified as Nakhleh. The prosecutor said Nakhleh drove around the police vehicles and fled. Police said they were unable to gain ground on the Jeep even driving at speeds of 87mph.

The Jeep crossed over into Willow Springs, which picked up the chase, the prosecutor said. Nakhleh allegedly drove northbound on LaGrange Road at speeds of 125 mph. A witness on the scene is said to have identified Nakhleh.

Nakhleh turned himself into Hickory Hills police on May 1 after learning of another unrelated warrant for his arrest. Nakhleh’s attorney said his client works for his family’s various stores.

“I believe this is a serious identity issue,” Nakhleh said.

The attorney said Nakhleh could post $5,000 bond, who is currently on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections for manufacture and delivery of cannabis.

Mahoney set bail at $250,000, saying he wasn’t “comfortable” with Nakhleh being out on his bond.

“Somebody could have been killed,” the judge said. “He was lucky. The public was lucky. He’s no angel. He’s already been in the joint.”

Nakhleh is due back in court May 22 in Bridgeview.