Illinois Man Arrested in Oak Brook After Fleeing from Police with Gun and Meth
Fatal Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer
Fernando Poblete Lopez, 29, a Round Lake Beach man, is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from police while in possession of a firearm and methamphetamine.
Charges
Poblete Lopez is charged with possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, and two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, according to prosecutors.
The Incident
On Monday, Oak Brook police attempted to stop a black Ford Explorer driven by Poblete Lopez around 3:22 p.m. near 22nd Street and Midwest Road for improper lane usage and a tinted windshield. However, Poblete Lopez allegedly ignored emergency lights and sirens, disobeyed a stop sign, and fled southbound on Midwest Road.
The pursuit continued through a gas station parking lot and onto eastbound Interstate 88 before shifting to Interstate 290. Poblete Lopez exited the highway at Manheim Road, then Roosevelt Road, and Euclid Avenue, before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot. Officers arrested him after a brief foot chase.
Pursuit Details
Poblete Lopez allegedly reached speeds of 81 mph in a 45-mph zone and up to 91 mph on the expressway. During the foot chase, he allegedly discarded about 24.2 grams of methamphetamine.
Arrest and Recovery of Evidence
Police later recovered a loaded 9mm Sig Sauer handgun with a defaced serial number from his vehicle.
Prosecutor’s Statement
“The allegations that Mr. Poblete Lopez fled from police at a high rate of speed on an extremely busy road in the midst of the holiday shopping season are outrageous,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin. “Thankfully, Mr. Poblete Lopez’s alleged actions did not cause injury to any innocent pedestrians or motorists.”
Court Proceedings
On Tuesday, a judge granted prosecutors’ motion to deny pretrial release for Poblete Lopez. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 23.
FAQs
* What was the alleged offense committed by Fernando Poblete Lopez?
He allegedly fled from police at a high rate of speed, resulting in a pursuit that reached speeds of up to 91 mph.
* What was the nature of the firearm recovered by police?
A loaded 9mm Sig Sauer handgun with a defaced serial number was found in his vehicle.
* What was the total amount of methamphetamine allegedly discarded by Poblete Lopez during the foot chase?
Approximately 24.2 grams.
* When is Poblete Lopez’s next court appearance scheduled?
December 23.
