A motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase after punching another man in the face has been granted. Ulises Mejia, 26 (d.o.b. 3/2/1999) of the 3100 block of N. Luna Lane, appeared in First Appearance Court Thursday morning charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony), one count of Misdemeanor Battery and multiple Misdemeanor and Petty traffic offenses including Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Damage to an Attended Vehicle.
At approximately 7:14 Wednesday evening, Oak Brook Police responded to the 1100 block of W. 22nd Street, regarding a battery in progress. It is alleged that when the officer arrived, he had activated his emergency lights and came “face to face” with a 2023 Chrysler 300, allegedly driven by Mejia. It is also alleged that instead of remaining at the scene, Mejia maneuvered his vehicle around the officer’s squad car and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. The officer initiated pursuit with his emergency lights and siren activated. It is alleged that as Mejia fled, he disobeyed a red light and drove on the wrong side of the road to turn onto 22nd Street. It is further alleged that as Mejia continued to flee the officer, he reached speeds in excess of 72 mph in a 40-mph zone and that he disobeyed a red light at 22nd Street and Route 83, where the officer lost sight of him. A short time later, Mejia allegedly crashed head-on into two vehicles at the intersection of Illinois Route 83 and 16th Street, after making a wide turn into the oncoming lanes of traffic. It is further alleged that after crashing his vehicle, Mejia fled the scene on foot. He was taken into custody a short time later at a restaurant approximately 150 meters away. No injuries were sustained by any of the vehicles’ occupants. Following further investigation, it is alleged that Mejia was waiting outside the Old Navy store where the mother of his children works. It is further alleged that when he saw her new boyfriend arrive to pick her up, Mejia approached the victim and punched him in the face.
“It is alleged that with a complete disregard for public safety and in an attempt to flee authorities after punching a man in the face, Mr. Mejia led police officers on a high-speed chase,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin said. “The holiday season will soon be upon us, and I want to remind everyone that in DuPage County, we will not tolerate this type of behavior that puts countless innocent motorists at risk. We are all very thankful that no one was injured as a result of Mr. Mejia’s alleged actions.”…