DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a Villa Park man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase early this morning. James Hutson, age 38, of the 0-99 block of Roosevelt Road, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony), one count of Driving While License Suspended – Fourth to Ninth Offense (Class 4 Felony) and multiple petty traffic offenses including Operating an Uninsured Vehicle, Improper Lane Usage and No Valid Registration.
DuPage County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol about 2:36 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, near Ogden Avenue and Naper Boulevard observed a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis with license plates that allegedly were not registered to that vehicle, exit the Casey’s gas station westbound on Ogden Avenue. The deputy followed the Grand Marquis, allegedly driven by Hutson, to the intersection of Naper Boulevard and Naperville Wheaton Road where Hutson allegedly drove over the yellow turn lane on Naper Boulevard, at which time the deputy activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, Hutson allegedly continued to drive away from the deputy, causing the deputy to activate his siren. Hutson ultimately made his way to eastbound I-88 where he reached speeds of approximately 108 mph. When Hutson exited I-88 at Midwest Road and at Midwest Road and Butterfield Road in Oakbrook Terrace, the deputy terminated pursuit. A short time later, officers with the Oakbrook Terrace Police Department located the Grand Marquis allegedly driven by Hutson, and followed him to a Motel 6 in Villa Park where he surrendered to authorities after running into one of the Motel’s rooms.
“In DuPage County, law enforcement is one hundred percent committed to pursuing alleged offenders who put the public at risk by attempting to flee the police and anyone who does so will quickly find themselves arrested, charged and prosecuted. “The complete disregard for public safety allegedly displayed by this defendant as he fled police at 108 mph will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I thank DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and his team for not only their efforts on this case but also for their ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe. I also thank the Oakbrook Terrace Police Department for their assistance as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Robert Willis and Anna Derkacz for their efforts in preparing charges against Mr. Hutson.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“Reckless fleeing from law enforcement puts innocent motorists, responding officers, and the offender themselves at serious risk. I commend State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office as well as Deputy Duhig, the Oakbrook Terrace Police Department, and all assisting agencies for their coordinated efforts in safely locating and apprehending the offender. Criminals who choose to evade law enforcement will be held accountable for their actions.”
— DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick
Hutson’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 22, 2026, in front of Judge Joseph Bugos.
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.
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