DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas have announced that a Lombard man has been charged with aggravated DUI for allegedly driving his car into a Villa Park home Feb. 19.
Thomas Whitlock, 38, appeared at a bond hearing in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh who set bail at $250,000 with 10 percent to apply. In all, Whitlock is charged with one count of aggravated DUI/third violation-BAC.16 or more (Class 2 felony), one count of aggravated DUI/license suspended or revoked (Class 4 felony), three counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and 14 counts of misdemeanor and petty driving offenses.
On Sunday, Feb. 19 at approximately 8:39 p.m., a Villa Park police officer was dispatched to the Jewel grocery store for a call of a Chevrolet Silverado that was allegedly speeding. It is alleged that the officer attempted to stop the truck, later determined to be driven by Whitlock, but the truck fled.
It is alleged that the officer activated his emergency lights and pursued Whitlock, who at times reached speeds of 69 mph in a 25-mph zone. It is further alleged that the pursuit continued to Maple Street in Lombard where Whitlock lost control of the truck and crashed into a residence on the 900 block of E. Maple St.
It is alleged that after the crash, Whitlock attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody at this time. When searching the vehicle, authorities found an open 750 ml bottle of Tito’s vodka on the front passenger’s seat. Whitlock was transported to a local hospital for medical attention. It is alleged that Whitlock’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was .232.
“It is alleged that following an evening of drinking, Thomas Whitlock made the unwise decision to not only get behind the wheel of a truck, but to also lead police on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood, ultimately crashing his truck into a residence,” Berlin said. “This type of dangerous behavior that puts public safety at risk will not be tolerated in DuPage County … Thankfully, no one in the home or on the streets, was injured or worse.”
Whitlock’s next court appearance is scheduled March 22, for arraignment in front of Judge O’Hallaren Walsh.
