Prosecutors say a man, who was allegedly driving drunk, fled from Highland Park police at a high rate of speed and was later found hiding in a shed in Highwood on Wednesday.
Gabriel Deita-Ortega, 34, of Highwood, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on a revoked license, fleeing to elude police and using an electronic communication device while operating a vehicle.
On Wednesday, a Highland Park police officer was conducting stationary observation and saw Deita-Ortega on his cellphone while he was operating his Honda, Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Francis DeRosa said.
Deita-Ortega pulled over but then allegedly fled from the officer despite being told to stop.
Deita-Ortega fled at a high rate of speed and the officer terminated the pursuit, DeRosa said.
The Highwood Police Department was notified and responded to Deita-Ortega’s registered address.
Officers saw Deita-Ortega circling the area in his Honda and avoiding the police.
The man later fled on foot in the 600 block of Green Bay Road in Highwood, DeRosa said.
A person called 911 and reported a man inside a shed that they believed was involved in the pursuit.
Officers found Deita-Ortega inside the shed and arrested him.
Deita-Ortega allegedly smelled like alcohol and exhibited signs of drunk driving.
Officers also found a white powdery substance from the man’s wallet, that tested inconclusive, and found open containers of alcohol in his Honda, DeRosa added.
His license was already revoked due to a previous DUI conviction.
Court records show Deita-Ortega pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI stemming from a 2017 incident in Highwood.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak set Deita-Ortega’s bond at $250,000.
He remains held in the Lake County Jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 13.