DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Warrenville Chief of Police Sam Bonilla announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Batavia resident accused of leading officers on a high-speed chase that ended when he crashed his car into another vehicle. Michael Fox, age 28, of the 300 block of N. Jefferson Street, appeared at First Appearance Court yesterday charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony), one count of Aggravated DUI (Class 4 Felony) and multiple Misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident and Transportation of Open Alcohol by Driver.
On August 11, 2025, at approximately 5:11 p.m., the Warrenville Police Department received information regarding a hit and run accident at Route 59 and Joliet Street in Warrenville. A responding police officer observed the vehicle allegedly involved in the hit and run and activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle, later determined to be driven by Fox, initially stopped at Williams Road and Butterfield Road. However, when the police officer approached the vehicle and told Fox to put his hands up, Fox drove away on Butterfield Road. The police officer pursued Fox with his emergency lights activated reaching speeds of approximately 70 mph, while Fox continued to gain ground on the officer. Fox allegedly disobeyed a red light at Route 59 and Butterfield Road and struck an occupied Honda CRV in the front passenger side. Following the crash, Fox exited his vehicle and was taken into custody. The two occupants of the Honda were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries sustained in the crash. While taking Fox into custody, police officers observed Fox to have bloodshot, glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol about him as well as an open bottle of alcohol in the driver’s side of the vehicle. At the time of the crash allegedly caused by Michael Fox, his BAC was 0.267.
“Illinois law requires that when you are involved in a traffic accident, you must remain at the scene until authorities arrive. The allegations that instead of stopping, Mr. Fox ignored the law and fled the scene, only to then lead police on a high-speed chase are shocking. To make matters worse, it is alleged that Mr. Fox then crashed into a second vehicle, sending two innocent people to the hospital and was later found to have a BAC of .267, more than three times the legal limit. Thankfully, the victims in this case were not seriously injured, or worse. I thank the Warrenville Police Department for their efforts in the quick apprehension of the defendant in this case and for their ongoing efforts in keeping our roadways safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Anna Derkacz for their work in preparing a strong case against Mr. Fox.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“Fox’s alleged recklessness and disregard for the law injured several innocent motorists and placed others at significant risk. The Warrenville Police Department takes this matter very seriously in our efforts to provide motorists a feeling of safety when driving through Warrenville. Driving under the influence of alcohol, refusing to stop for a traffic crash, and refusing to stop for police is unacceptable behavior on our roadways, and I want to commend the Warrenville police officers for being vigilant and making every effort to protect the members of the public. I also want to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their support and collaboration in getting Fox off the street.”
— Warrenville Chief of Police Sam Bonilla
Fox’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 8, 2025, in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.
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 Sheriff’s Office
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