A man who allegedly tried selling drugs to a random person in Round Lake fled from officers and led them on a pursuit after getting into multiple crashes, prosecutors said.
David E. Lepey, 26, of Addison, was charged with aggravated fleeing to elude police, two counts of driving under the influence, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident, driving without a license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver and transportation of alcohol by a driver.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Caitlin Valiulis said officers responded to the 200 block of West Treehouse Lane in Round Lake last Wednesday for a suspicious vehicle call.
The 911 caller said he was followed by a black Mercedes and a man, later identified as Lepey, got out of the car and offered to sell drugs to the person, Valiulis said.
The person said he did not want any and then called 911.
Lepey got back into his car and drove away. He struck a vehicle at Route 134 and Fairfield Road but continued driving, Valiulis said.
Lepey allegedly rear-ended another car a few minutes later and then stopped at a gas station where he appeared intoxicated.
Officers located Lepey in traffic and activated their lights and sirens. Lepey initially slowed down but then sped up and passed cars, Valiulis said.
Lepey pulled around a stopped car and rear-ended another car at Fairfield Road and Hillside Drive.
The officers continued to instruct the man to stop but he went around another car to continue to flee, Valiulis said.
Police terminated the chase once Lepey began traveling at speeds of 70 mph.
Officers in Fox Lake located Lepey and apprehended him.
They determined he was impaired by alcohol and his blood alcohol reading was almost twice the legal limit, Valiulis said.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak noted that Lepey was on parole at the time of his arrest for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and attempting to disarm a peace officer.
Potkonjak ordered the man held on a $300,000. Lepey remains held in the Lake County Jail.
A status of attorney hearing is scheduled for Friday.