A Waukegan man was accused of driving in excess of 100 mph while leading police on a chase along Route 173 in Spring Grove and Richmond and driving through a solid red light.
Gerardo Garcia, 22, of Waukegan, was charged with aggravated fleeing to elude, unlawful possession of a knife, speeding, reckless driving, disregarding a traffic control light and improper traffic lane usage.
A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court said officers with the Spring Grove Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a white 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 pickup truck around 5 a.m. on April 9.
The complaint said Garcia was signaled to pull over by a marked police squad, which had its emergency lights and sirens activated, but failed to stop and increased his speed.
Garcia traveled at a speed of more than 100 mph in a posted 55 mph zone on Route 173, the complaint said. The Chevrolet was increasing speed and gaining distance the officer’s squad.
The complaint said Garcia intentionally deactivated his vehicle’s headlights and taillights during the chase and drove through a solid red light at Route 12 and Route 173 in Richmond at a high rate of speed.
Other motorists were present in the vicinity of Garcia’s vehicle.
Garcia also allegedly committed improper passing on the right and partially drove off the roadway, the complaint said.
The complaint said Garcia’s actions demonstrated a “willful and wanton” disregard for others while driving. Garcia was also accused of unlawfully possessing a switchblade knife.
An arrest warrant was issued for Garcia last month and he was taken into custody of the McHenry County Jail.
He was released from custody on pre-trial conditions following an Initial Appearance Court hearing because the charges are non-detainable under the Illinois SAFE-T Act, court records show.
Garcia is scheduled to appear in court again on June 25 for an arraignment hearing.