Court Grants State's Motion to Detain Pre-Trial Chicago Man Accused of Leading Police on a High-Speed Chase in a Stolen SUV

Theon Mitchell, 26 (d.o.b. 4/28/1998) of the 6800 block of S. St. Lawrence Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 1 Felony), one count of Attempt Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle Valued at $25,000 or More (Class 2 Felony), two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Reckless Driving. 

Car chase ended in school parking lot with defendant allegedly fleeing on foot.

OAK BROOK - 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 man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen Toyota 4Runner. Theon Mitchell, 26 (d.o.b. 4/28/1998) of the 6800 block of S. St. Lawrence Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 1 Felony), one count of Attempt Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle Valued at $25,000 or More (Class 2 Felony), two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Reckless Driving.     

On March 19, 2025, an Oak Brook police officer received information that the allegedly stolen Toyota may be in the area of Route 83. At approximately 1:37 p.m., the officer located the Toyota northbound on Route 83 and began following the vehicle. It is alleged that when the officer activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop, rather than stopping, the driver of the Toyota, later determined to be Mitchell, accelerated at speeds in excess of 75 mph away from the officer in rainy conditions. It is further alleged that Mitchell made a U-turn on Route 83 near Riverside Drive and continued to flee officers southbound on Route 83. It is further alleged that as Mitchell fled, reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph, he swerved onto the shoulder to avoid stop sticks, traveled on the shoulder of the road, weaved in and out of traffic and ignored a red light at Hodges Road. It is further alleged that Mitchell exited Route 83 onto 55th Street where the pursuit continued, now with assistance from multiple agencies, reaching speeds between 80 and 100 mph. It is alleged that at 55th Street and Willow Springs Road, Mitchell stopped at a red light, but when officers exited their vehicles in an attempt to stop him, Mitchell drove away eastbound on 55th Street, striking an unmarked squad car as he fled. Mitchell allegedly continued fleeing authorities and ultimately turned into the parking lot of Helping Hand School, located in the 9600 block of 55th Street in Countryside, where he exited the Toyota and fled on foot. Authorities located Mitchell hiding in bushes around the corner from the school and took him into custody at that time.

“The apprehension of the defendant in this case sends a loud and clear message that in DuPage County you cannot outrun the law,” Berlin said. “If you flee from officers, you will quickly realize there is nowhere to go and soon find yourself in the back of a squad car. We will use every means available to us including technology and assistance from other agencies to keep our streets and communities safe for motorists and pedestrians alike. We are all extremely grateful that no students or staff of Helping Hands School were nearby when Mr. Mitchell allegedly abandoned the Toyota in the parking lot and fled on foot. I thank the Oak Brook Police Department for their outstanding work on this case and for their continued efforts in keeping our roadways safe. I also thank the Hinsdale, Willowbrook and Western Springs Police Departments for their assistance as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Kevin Kosman and Sean Kinsella for their efforts in securing charges against Mr. Mitchell.”

“I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, Oak Brook is absolutely the wrong town to drive through in a stolen vehicle,” Strockis said. “Sooner or later criminals will realize that fact, but until they do, we will continue to utilize every tool at our disposal to track them down and arrest them. I’d like to thank the Hinsdale, Western Springs and Countryside Police Departments for their assistance on this case and many others. I’d also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and guidance on this case”.  

Mitchell’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 14, 2025, in front of Judge Mia McPherson. If found guilty, he faces a penalty of up to fifteen years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.   

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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