Police say a man tried ramming squad cars and ran red lights during a high-speed pursuit in Wauconda before later being arrested in an Uber and found with a weapon.
Jamal Bajwa, 30, of Grayslake, was arrested on Wednesday during a coordinated operation, according to Wauconda Police Department Public Information Officer Heather Cognac.
Bajwa was observed by officers arriving in an Uber vehicle in the 100 block of Roosevelt Avenue in Wauconda.
Bajwa had previously fled officers during a high-speed vehicle pursuit on Sunday.
An officer attempted to stop Bajwa’s vehicle around 7 p.m. that day near Main Street and Garland Road.
During the pursuit, he attempted to ram squad cars and ran red lights, endangering the public, Cognac said.
The pursuit was terminated by a police supervisor as the pursuit entered the area of Fairfield Road and Route 120.
Cognac said officers were aware of Bajwa’s history of violent behavior and attempts to evade arrest.
Officers surrounded the area in unmarked vehicles and waited for Bajwa to arrive.
Officers and Wauconda Police Canine Skye approached the vehicle where Bajwa was seen in the back seat.
He was ordered out and taken into custody by officers without further incident.
Cognac said Bajwa was found in possession of a glass pipe containing suspected crack cocaine residue and a spring-loaded switchblade.
Bajwa was prohibited from possessing the weapon as he is a convicted felon and does not have a FOID card.
Bajwa confessed to being the driver during the Sunday pursuit after he was taken into custody, Cognac said. He admitted to fleeing due to his active warrants.
The Uber driver was not involved and was released from the scene.
“This arrest highlights the dedication of our officers to public safety and accountability,” Wauconda Police Chief David Wermes.
“Criminal activity, especially behavior that puts our community and officers at risk, will not be tolerated in Wauconda,” Wermes said.
Bajwa remains held in custody and was charged with aggravated assault to a peace officer, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, three counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding and unlawful use of a weapon.