A Waukegan man was arrested after he fled from police, struck a tree and then ran from officers on foot in Winthrop Harbor last week, officials said.
Derrick D. Johnson, 28, of Waukegan, was charged with escaping a police officer, aggravated driving under the influence, aggravated fleeing police, driving under the influence, possession controlled substance, driving on a suspended license, two counts of resisting arrest and speeding 35 mph or more over the limit.
A Winthrop Harbor police officer attempted to stop a vehicle that was speeding and driving without headlamps in the 1400 block of Sheridan Road on January 16.
Winthrop Harbor Police Department Detective Sgt. Christopher Willets said that the vehicle failed to stop, struck a tree, and then crashed into a ditch near the intersection of 8th Street and College Avenue.
The driver, identified as Johnson, was taken into custody by officers. While Johnson was in custody, he attempted to flee on foot but was again taken into custody a short distance away, Willets said.
Officers found a small amount of cocaine in Johnson’s possession while searching him. The case was reviewed by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, who approved the felony charges.
In addition to his charges, Johnson received citations for improper lane usage, driving without headlamps and reckless driving. He remains held in the Lake County Jail on a $50,000 bond.