Overview
- Thomas Philip of Woodridge faces four felony counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding plus misdemeanors for driving without a valid license and operating an uninsured vehicle.
- The pursuit began in Bensenville after officers responded to a suspicious gold Lexus, with prosecutors saying the driver reversed into a squad car in a Jewel-Osco lot before fleeing.
- The chase spanned three counties and multiple interstates, with speeds reaching 90 to 100 mph and periods of very slow driving that caused major traffic backups.
- Officers from several agencies used spike strips at least three times, and Philip surrendered near I-94 and Buckley Road in Lake Bluff.
- A judge ordered Philip to remain in custody; prosecutors noted his license expired in May 2019 and referenced recent similar fleeing cases as a growing public-safety concern, including the use of a helicopter in this pursuit.