A Chicago man was arrested in Illinois after a high-speed chase through the western suburbs. He was found in possession of 108 bags of heroin/fentanyl and four bags of cocaine. Despite his request for pre-trial release, it was denied.
Here’s what we know so far: Kentrell Hayes, aged 25, made an appearance in court on Friday. He is facing several charges, which include two counts of Class Super X felony for manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance. Additionally, he is charged with one count of Class 1 felony for manufacturing and delivering cocaine, and one count of Class 4 felony for aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer. The information was provided by the DuPage County State’s Attorney.
He is facing charges for an incident that took place on February 21.
The Westmont police pulled over a gray Toyota, supposedly driven by Hayes, for speeding while heading eastbound on 63rd Street. As soon as the officer stepped out of his squad car, Hayes swiftly made a U-turn and headed west on 63rd Street.
Hinsdale police took over the pursuit from Westmont police as Hayes continued to speed northbound on Route 83.
At 1:40 a.m., the Oakbrook police decided to place stop sticks on the northbound Route 83, close to 31st Street. As soon as Hayes’ vehicle collided with the stop sticks, he quickly accelerated and took the exit onto I-88.
An Oakbrook officer turned on the emergency lights and chased after Hayes, who was driving at speeds of at least 95 mph. Despite losing three tires, Hayes persisted in trying to escape and eventually lost control of the vehicle on I-290, crashing into a concrete barrier.
Hayes continued driving despite the hood of his vehicle flipping onto the windshield. He persevered until he reached the exit at Austin Boulevard on I-290.
At 1:55 a.m., Forest Park police apprehended him by blocking his way and subsequently making an arrest.
Authorities discovered 108 bags of heroin/fentanyl, four bags of cocaine, and more than $1,600 in cash during a search of Hayes and his vehicle.
Here’s what people are saying:
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin accused Mr. Hayes of possessing a deadly mixture of fentanyl/heroin weighing over one hundred grams, which has the potential to cause the deaths of tens of thousands of individuals. According to Berlin, the infiltration of illegal narcotics into our communities has resulted in immense suffering and sorrow. As law enforcement officials, it is our duty to halt the spread of this lethal epidemic. The arrest of the defendant in this case serves as a remarkable example of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies from different jurisdictions in achieving this objective. I commend the Oak Brook Police Department for their exceptional dedication and ongoing endeavors to safeguard the public and prevent the circulation of illicit drugs within our communities. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Westmont, Hinsdale, and Forest Park Police Departments for their valuable assistance, which led to a successful outcome. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandria Levan for her diligent work in bringing forth robust charges against Mr. Hayes.
According to Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis, the recent arrest serves as a prime example of why offenders are trying to evade law enforcement. Chief Strockis believes that the suspect may have successfully eluded the police in other jurisdictions on numerous occasions, but their luck ran out this time. The Oak Brook Police Department is sending a clear message that they will not tolerate reckless criminal behavior. Chief Strockis commends his team for their coordinated efforts in apprehending the offender and expresses gratitude to the Forest Park Police Department for their assistance. Additionally, he extends his thanks to State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their support and guidance in this case, emphasizing State’s Attorney Berlin’s strong endorsement of Oak Brook’s policing methods.
What comes next: The next court appearance for Hayes is scheduled for March 17th.