DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced that bond was set yesterday, Monday, August 14, 2023, for a Cook County man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle. Cleveland Smith, 51 of the 0-100 block of South 15th Avenue, Maywood, appeared in Bond Court yesterday where Judge James McCluskey set bond at $500,000 with 10% to apply. Smith is charged with one count of Aggravated Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 1 Felony), two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and multiple Misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including Driving While License Suspended, Resisting a Police Officer, Transportation or Possession of Open Alcohol by Driver as well as Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
A Villa Park police officer discovered at about 11:25 a.m. Saturday, August 12, 2023, a red 2006 Toyota 4 Runner that was reported stolen out of Chicago on August 7, 2023, traveling on St. Charles Road. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle at the traffic light at St. Charles Road and Route 83. The vehicle was allegedly driven by Smith. When the officer approached the vehicle on foot at the stop light, and told Smith to stop the car, Smith accelerated eastbound on St. Charles Road reaching speeds of approximately 77 mph. Police officers then activated their emergency lights and sirens and pursued Smith onto westbound I-290 where at one point he was driving on the shoulder of the road and nearly struck a motorcyclist. Allegedly, Smith exited the expressway and continued to flee officers on Lake Street, Route 83, North Avenue and York Road where officers successfully deployed spike strips. Allegedly, after running over the spike strips, Smith continued to flee and at one point was driving on the parkway until the stolen vehicle gave out on Diversey Avenue. Smith was immediately taken into custody. Allegedly, during the pursuit, Smith reached speeds of approximately 90 mph. When searching the vehicle, officers found multiple open and closed bottles of alcohol and a crack pipe.
“In DuPage County, anyone who attempts to flee from the police will be arrested, charged and aggressively prosecuted. We will not tolerate any display of contempt for the rule of law that puts the motoring public and innocent pedestrians at risk. What is particularly aggravating in this case is that not only did Mr. Smith allegedly reach speeds of approximately 90 mph on busy roads, including residential neighborhoods, in the middle of the afternoon, he also nearly struck a motorcyclist. Thankfully, no innocent motorists or bystanders were injured or worse as a result of Mr. Smith’s alleged actions. I thank the Villa Park Police Department for not only their efforts on this case but also for their ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alyssa Rabulinski and Daniel Orescanin for their work on this case.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“The Villa Park Police Department is committed to going after alleged offenders who commit felonies and put the public at risk. 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. The alleged offender’s actions will always dictate our response. I commend the brave actions of the Villa Park police officers to go after others who put innocent people in harm’s way. We would also like to thank the numerous other law enforcement agencies who took action to bring about a safe, positive resolution. We would also like to thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his incredible Assistant State’s Attorneys Alyssa Rabulinski and Daniel Orescanin for their work in having serious charges levied against the alleged offender.”
— Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas
Smith’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 5, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
— DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
THANKS FOR READING CARDINAL NEWS
Get updates from The Cardinal ALL NEWS FEEDS on Facebook. Just ‘LIKE’ the ‘Arlington Cardinal Page (become a fan of our page). The updates cover all posts and sub-category posts from The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com. See all of The Cardinal Facebook fan pages at Arlingtoncardinal.com/about/facebook …
Help fund The Cardinal Arlingtoncardinal.com/sponsor