Court Grants State’s Motion to Detain Pre-Trial Cicero Man Accused of Pointing Gun at Motorist/Fleeing from Police

(The following is a joint release issued by the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office and the Naperville Police Department on Aug. 9, 2025.)

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that Judge Robert Rohm has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Cicero man accused of fleeing from police following a road rage incident in which he allegedly pointed a gun at another motorist. Jose Gutierrez, 31 (d.o.b. 1/4/1994) of the 1900 block of 51st Street, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony), one count of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony), and multiple Misdemeanor offenses including Aggravated Assault, Resisting a Police Officer, Reckless Driving and Transportation of Open Alcohol by a Driver. 

In the evening hours of August 8, 2025, Naperville police officers responded to a call of a road rage incident near Naper Boulevard and Plank Road where an individual, later identified as Gutierrez, allegedly pointed a handgun at another driver. At approximately 8:49 p.m., a Naperville police officer located Gutierrez and conducted a traffic stop. It is alleged that Gutierrez initially came to a stop and placed his hands outside the driver’s side window in response to the officer’s commands but rather than remaining stopped, he fled the scene. Naperville police officers followed Gutierrez and deployed a stop-stick while Gutierrez was stopped at a red light on Naper Boulevard. It is alleged that Gutierrez fled over the stop-stick and turned northbound on Naper Boulevard at a high rate of speed. Officers continued to follow Gutierrez on to eastbound I-88 with their emergency lights and siren activated. It is alleged that Gutierrez continued to flee officers on I-88, weaving in and out of traffic and reached speeds in excess of 95 mph. It is further alleged that Gutierrez continued to flee officers at a high rate of speed on I-88, to I-355, to Finley Road, to Roosevelt Road where he ran over a second stop-stick. It is alleged that, while now driving on his rims, Gutierrez continued to flee eastbound on Roosevelt Road where he swerved into the westbound lanes and reached speeds in excess of 90 mph before coming to a stop in the far left, eastbound lane of Roosevelt Road. It is alleged that Gutierrez then fled the vehicle on foot running into the westbound lane of traffic before being apprehended following a foot chase. When canvassing the scene of the initial stop, officers located a loaded Pheonix Arms .22 caliber handgun with one round in the chamber allegedly thrown out of the vehicle by Gutierrez. During a search of the vehicle, officers located .22 caliber ammunition. 

“The allegations that following a road rage incident, Mr. Gutierrez pointed a loaded weapon at another motorist and then proceeded to lead authorities on a dangerous high-speed chase are outrageous,” Berlin said. “I want to remind motorists that in DuPage County we will not tolerate the type of reckless behavior alleged in this case that puts not only the accused at risk, but also the officers involved as well as the motoring public. As I’ve said in the past but bears repeating, if you hear sirens and see lights behind you, pull over. Do not attempt to outrun the police as you will not be successful and will only make matters worse for yourself. We are all thankful the victim involved in the initial call and no innocent motorists were injured as a result of Mr. Gutierrez’s alleged actions. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their efforts on this case and for their continued efforts in keeping our roads safe for everyone, as well as the Villa Park Police Department for their assistance. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Eric Vincent and Kevin Kosman for their efforts in securing charges against the defendant.”

 “When someone points a gun at another driver, flees from police, and puts countless people in harm’s way, they can expect a swift and coordinated law enforcement response. Our officers, with the assistance of neighboring agencies, moved quickly to apprehend the suspects and recover the weapon before anyone was hurt,” said Chief Arres. “I appreciate the unwavering support of State’s Attorney Berlin and his staff in holding these dangerous offenders accountable. We will not tolerate acts of violence or reckless disregard for safety in Naperville and will continue to be proactive in arresting those who engage in these behaviors.”       

Guiterrez’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 11, 2025, in front of Judge Mia McPherson.

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.  

Jose Gutierrez booking photoJose Gutierrez


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.