A Chicago man arrested for trying to outrun Naperville police for the second time in less than a year — this time allegedly driving 104 mph in a 45-mph zone and going the wrong direction on Route 59 — has been charged with felony aggravated fleeing and eluding, authorities said.
DuPage County Judge Joshua Dieden ordered Dreshaune Manuel, 22, held in the county jail Thursday following an 11:25 p.m. Wednesday incident that began with a Naperville police officer attempting to pull Manuel over for driving nearly 60 mph over the speed limit near Route 59 and I-88, a news release said.
Manuel fled from the officer, going through a red light at I-88 and Route 59 and heading into oncoming traffic in the southbound lanes of Route 59, according to the account provided by the Naperville Police Department and DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“It is alleged that Manuel continued driving into oncoming traffic, dodging seven vehicles before officers were able to cut him off and boxed in his vehicle,” the release said.
In addition to fleeing and eluding, Manuel was also charged with multiple misdemeanor traffic offenses, including reckless driving.
His first arrest occurred in April 2023 in Naperville, when he was charged with misdemeanor fleeing and eluding, the release said.
State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said they’ve cracked down on fleeing and eluding offenders after seeing an “epidemic” 65% increase in such cases in 2023. So far, the number has dropped by 20% this year, he said in the release.
“Fleeing from law enforcement puts the police officers involved and motoring public at great risk and will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” he said. “With public safety as my office’s top priority, the message remains the same, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over. Any attempt to outrun the police will prove futile and will only make matters worse.”
Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said he was grateful no one was injured in the incident, adding that he was “pleased that we were able to safely arrest and hold this individual accountable for an act he’s allegedly committed twice now in our town.”
Manuel’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 4.
