Court Grants State’s Motion to Detain Chicago Man Charged with Fleeing Police at a High Rate of Speed

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a Chicago man accused of fleeing from police at a high rate of speed. Dreshaune Manuel, 22 (d.o.b. 2/8/2002) appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony) and multiple Misdemeanor traffic offenses, including Reckless Driving.

On February 7, 2024, at approximately 11:25 p.m., a Naperville police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle, allegedly driven by Manuel, near I-88 and Route 59 after allegedly observing the vehicle traveling 104 mph in a 45-mh zone. It is alleged that when the officer activated his emergency lights and sirens, instead of pulling over, Manuel continued driving at a high rate of speed away from the officer. It is further alleged that as Manuel fled from the officer, he ignored a red light at I-88 and Route 59 and then disobeyed the “do not enter/wrong way” sign and drove into oncoming traffic northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 59. 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. He was taken into custody at this time. At the time of his arrest, Manuel was also charged with misdemeanor fleeing and eluding in connection with a separate incident in April 2023 in Naperville.

“Last year we saw an epidemic of people fleeing from police. After seeing an increase of approximately 65% in aggravated fleeing and eluding cases in 2023, our response has led to a decrease of 20% of these cases so far this year,” Berlin said. “Fleeing from law enforcement puts the police officers involved and motoring public at great risk and will not be tolerated in DuPage County. 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.  I thank the Naperville Police Department for their work on this case and for their continuing efforts in keeping our roadways safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alexandria Levan and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing charges against Mr. Manuel.”

“Fleeing from a lawful traffic stop is both illegal and highly dangerous, putting our officers and other motorists in danger. I’m grateful that no one was injured in this incident, and I’m 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,” Arres said. “Our officers take their responsibilities to keep this city safe seriously. I could not be more pleased with their professionalism and their diligence to hold lawbreakers accountable for their actions. I’m also thankful for the partnership of DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office in these endeavors.”

Manuel’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 4, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

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.

Dreshaune Manuel

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.