Judge Grants State’s Motion to Detain Pre-Trial an Aurora Woman Charged with Leading Police on 122 MPH High-Speed Pursuit

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that Judge Anthony Coco granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial an Aurora woman accused of leading police on a high-speed chase. Imira Williams, 22 (d.o.b. 6/5/2001) of the 600 block of N. Randall Road, appeared at First Appearance Court yesterday morning charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Attempt Aggravated Assault.

On November 25, 2023, at approximately 1:18 a.m., officers with the Naperville Police Department conducting surveillance in the parking lot of Bowlero, located at 1515 Aurora Avenue, allegedly observed a firearm in a vehicle between the center console and the passenger seat. A short time later, two individuals, later identified as Williams and an unknown male, entered the car. It is alleged that the officers observed the pair smoking cannabis and approached the vehicle to conduct a search. It is alleged that when officers asked the pair to exit the vehicle, Williams complied but the male did not and began moving items about the car. It is further alleged that the male eventually exited the car and fled on foot, at which time the officers pursued him. It is alleged that while the officers pursued the male, Williams reentered the vehicle and drove away. It is further alleged one of the officers reentered his squad car, activated his emergency lights and sirens, and pursued Williams. It is alleged that during the pursuit, Williams made a U-turn and drove directly at the officer causing him to swerve his squad car to avoid a collision. It is further alleged that during the pursuit, Williams disobeyed seven red lights through the streets of Naperville before entering I-88 where she reached a speed of approximately 122 mph. Williams eventually pulled her vehicle over and, with assistance from the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, was taken into custody at this time.

“The alleged conduct of Ms. Williams demonstrates that she has absolutely no concern for public safety or for the safety of the officer involved in the pursuit,” Berlin said. “Judge Coco’s order to detain her pre-trial sends the message that in DuPage County we will not tolerate this type of dangerous behavior that poses a threat not only to the driver, but also puts the police officers involved and motoring public at great risk. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their efforts in this case and for their continued work in keeping our streets safe as well as DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and his office for their assistance. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael McBride and Michael Paup for their work securing charges against this defendant.”

“In the last few years, we’ve seen more and more individuals fleeing from police. This is both a blatant disregard for the rule of law and an extremely dangerous and unacceptable risk to public safety,” said Arres. “I’m grateful for the assistance of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending the offender in this incident and DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for approving charges that reflect the severity of the crime.”

William’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 26, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Imira Williams

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.