Court Grants State's Motion to Deny Pre-trial Release for Chicago Felon Accused of Possessing Loaded Firearm/Fentanyl

Christopher Ellis, 28 (d.o.b. 12/24/1996) of the 1650 block of N. Lotus Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Armed Violence (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon (Class 3 Felony), two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony).

Defendant taken into custody following high-speed pursuit.

HINSDALE - DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago convicted felon accused of possessing a fully loaded gun and leading police in a 103-mph high-speed chase. Christopher Ellis, 28 (d.o.b. 12/24/1996) of the 1650 block of N. Lotus Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Armed Violence (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon (Class 3 Felony), two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony).

On February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., officers with the Oak Brook Police Department were alerted to a wanted vehicle near Butterfield Road and Illinois Route 83. Officers located the vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu, on Butterfield Road near 22nd Street in Oak Brook. The Malibu proceeded into Lombard, entered the Yorktown Mall parking lot and appeared to be parking when the Oak Brook officer pulled in front of the vehicle and activated his emergency lights. It is alleged that the Malibu, later determined to be driven by Ellis, reversed away from the officer, evaded spike strips and exited the mall eastbound on Butterfield Road. It is alleged officers pursued Ellis and that during the pursuit, Ellis disobeyed multiple traffic control devices and reached speeds of approximately 101 mph in the area of Butterfield Road and Fountain Square Drive. It is further alleged that as Ellis continued to flee at speeds in excess of 100 mph on Butterfield Road, he nearly caused an accident with other vehicles, before merging onto Roosevelt Road. It is alleged that as Ellis continued to flee on Roosevelt Road at speeds in excess of 100 mph, he entered oncoming lanes of traffic through a construction zone at which time Oak Brook police officers terminated ground pursuit out of public safety concerns. A Chicago Police Department helicopter took over surveillance of Ellis at this time and tracked the vehicle to the area of 33 N. Taft Avenue, Hillside, where three subjects allegedly exited the vehicle on foot. It is alleged that when Ellis exited the vehicle, he was holding a handgun. It is further alleged that as Ellis fled through a residential neighborhood, he hid a firearm and approximately 11.4 grams of fentanyl under a flowerpot at a residence on N. Ashbel Avenue. He was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. When canvassing the area, officers located a loaded and chambered .22 caliber Glock 44 pistol that was reported stolen out of Gary, Indiana and a clear plastic bag containing fentanyl.  

“Public safety remains the top priority not just in my office, but for law enforcement agencies throughout DuPage County” Berlin said. “The allegations that Mr. Ellis fled from officers at more than 100 mph through a busy shopping district and a residential area while armed and in possession of a deadly narcotic are outrageous and will be met with the full force of the law. I commend the Oak Brook Police Department whose efforts have, for the second week in a row, resulted in the removal of an illegally possessed firearm and a significant amount of fentanyl from our streets. I thank the assisting agencies on this case, particularly the Chicago Police Department for air support, for their valued partnership in keeping our communities safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Daniel Orescanin for their efforts in securing strong charges against Mr. Ellis.   

“Once again, our officers’ proactive efforts have resulted in getting another illegal gun and fentanyl off the street,” Strockis said. “I’d like to thank our officers for their bravery, commitment and dedication to keeping our community safe. Thanks to the agencies that assisted us with this incident, specifically the CPD helicopter which is such an invaluable resource. Finally, thank you to State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and guidance in this case.”

Ellis’ next court appearance is scheduled for March 24, 2025, in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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