Introduction to the Case
OAK BROOK, Ill. — Pre-trial release has been denied for a Lombard man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase before crashing into a car full of teen girls.
The Charges
37-year-old Andres Galvez has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer and more than a dozen misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including reckless driving and driving with a revoked license, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced over the weekend.
The Incident
According to Berlin, Galvez’s charges were handed down after he allegedly led officers on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash on Friday night.
Prosecutors said just after 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Villa Park officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Galvez’s car near Route 83 and Riverside Drive for allegedly speeding. But when the officer activated their lights and sirens, Galvez allegedly sped off before running a red light at Riverside Drive and Route 83.
Prosecutors said after fleeing the initial stop Gavelz allegedly continued driving south along Route 83 near Butterfield Road, at times reaching speeds over 100MPH.
The Crash
Photo provided by DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin shows 37-year-old Andres Galvez has been charged in connection with a chase and crash that allegedly unfolded in DuPage County.
During the pursuit, prosecutors said Galves allegedly drove around a parked Oak Brook squad car before running another red light near Route 83 and 31st Street in Oak Brook, where he then crashed into a car with three teen girls inside.
Prosecutors said during the crash, the airbags inside the vehicle occupied by the teens deployed, but no serious injuries were reported.
Following the crash, Galvez was taken into custody.
Previous Offenses
At the time of his arrest, Galvez was out on a $150,000 bond for possession with intent to deliver cocaine as well as aggravated fleeing and eluding. His bond in that case was set just three days before the state adopted the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, which eliminated cash bail.
Reaction from Authorities
“The allegations that while out on bond, Mr. Galvez not only sped away from officers, but then crashed his car into an occupied vehicle with enough force to deploy that vehicle’s airbags, are outrageous,” Berlin said. “I want to remind motorists that in DuPage County we will not tolerate this type of alleged behavior that puts not only the accused at risk, but also the officers involved as well as the motoring public."
Galvez is set to return to court on May, 27.
Conclusion
The denial of pre-trial release for Andres Galvez reflects the seriousness with which the court views his alleged offenses. The combination of reckless driving, fleeing from the police, and the potential harm caused to the teen girls involved, underscores the need for a strict approach to ensure public safety. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to consider the implications of the Pre-Trial Fairness Act and how it influences the handling of similar cases in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What are the charges against Andres Galvez?
A: Galvez has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, along with more than a dozen misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses. - Q: What led to the charges against Galvez?
A: The charges stem from an incident where Galvez allegedly led police on a high-speed chase, which ended in a crash involving a car with three teen girls inside. - Q: Was anyone seriously injured in the crash?
A: No serious injuries were reported, although the airbags in the vehicle occupied by the teens did deploy. - Q: What is the current status of Galvez’s case?
A: Pre-trial release has been denied for Galvez, and he is scheduled to return to court on May 27.
