A motion to deny pretrial release for a Chicago man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase after hitting another men in the face was granted. Ulises Mejia, 26 (d.o.b. 3/2/1999), of the 3100 block of N. Luna Lane, appeared in First Appearance Court on Thursday morning charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony), one count of Misdemeanor Battery, and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses, including Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Damage to an Attended Vehicle.
At 7:14 p.m. on Wednesday, Oak Brook Police responded to the 1100 block of W. 22nd Street for a battery in progress. It is said that when the officer arrived, he activated his emergency lights and came “face to face” with a 2023 Chrysler 300, reportedly driven by Mejia. Rather than remain at the scene, Mejia allegedly drove his vehicle past the officer’s squad car and departed at high speed. The officer began the pursuit with his emergency lights and siren on. Mejia is accused of driving on the wrong side of the road to turn onto 22nd Street while fleeing a red light. It is further alleged that as Mejia proceeded to flee the officer, he exceeded 72 mph in a 40-mph zone and disobeyed a red light at 22nd Street and Route 83, when the officer lost sight of him. A short time later, Mejia allegedly collided head-on with two vehicles at the intersection of Illinois Route 83 and 16th Street after making a wide turn into oncoming traffic. It is further claimed that after crashing his vehicle, Mejia fled the area on foot. He was arrested a short time later at a restaurant around 150 meters away. None of the vehicles’ occupants incurred any injuries. Following additional inquiry, it is claimed that Mejia was waiting outside the Old Navy store where the mother of his children works. It is further claimed that when he saw her new boyfriend arriving to pick her up, Mejia approached him and hit him in the face.
“It is alleged that with a complete disregard for public safety and in an attempt to flee authorities after punching a man in the face, Mr. Mejia led police officers on a high-speed chase,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin said. “The holiday season will soon be upon us, and I want to remind everyone that in DuPage County, we will not tolerate this type of behavior that puts countless innocent motorists at risk. We are all very thankful that no one was injured as a result of Mr. Mejia’s alleged actions.”
Mejia’s next court appearance is set for November 24, 2025.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint only contains charges and does not establish the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which the government bears the burden of proving his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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