Fleeing a traffic stop is only a misdemeanor in Illinois, and police chiefs want to change that

CHICAGO (CBS) – The penalty for driving off during a traffic stop is only a misdemeanor in Illinois – and law enforcement is trying to crack down on such misdemeanors, which are an ongoing problem.

Police chiefs across Chicago say they need tougher laws, saying more and more drivers are driving away when officers pull them over. They hope a new push in Springfield will give law enforcement much-needed support to put a stop to it.

A crash in Palatine on ThursdayAccording to police, this was the result of a reckless driver. A man behind the wheel of a black SUV sped down the street.

Police lights can be seen flashing in surveillance video six seconds after the crash on Rand Road, which sent four people to hospital. Police said the driver refused to stop.

“And this is a dangerous problem for all of our communities,” said Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres.

Arrest referenced an incident that occurred in Naperville last month – when two Naperville police cruisers attempted to block a Mercedes sport utility vehicle.

The driver rammed one of the patrol cars and drove away. Officials pursued.

But under current Illinois law, drivers who flee traffic stops could only be charged with misdemeanors if they are caught.

“I think because the law is currently a misdemeanor, there is not a lot of responsibility or fear of the punishment that comes with a misdemeanor,” Arres said.

Some Illinois state lawmakers want to change that. Illinois Senate Bill 1807 would make “fleeing or attempting to elude an officer by automobile” a felony.

Chief Arres said such action is long overdue – especially given the situation in Naperville.

In 2019, 30 vehicles hit police in Naperville, and in four years, Naperville is now averaging 137 vehicles per year.

“I think a big part of it is that if we don’t chase, the word gets out: ‘Fly off and they won’t chase you,'” Arres said. “So, you know, people talk.”

Over in southern suburban Lynwood, which sits on the Indiana state line, Police Chief Gregory Thomas said drivers are taking advantage of Illinois law.

“It’s almost comical,” Thomas said. “When we do certain traffic stops or arrest people, they’ll ask, ‘Is this Indiana or is this Illinois?'”

Thomas said drivers know that police in Indiana will give chase, while counties in Illinois face restrictions – and if drivers run away, it’s just a misdemeanor.

“The criminal unit understands jurisdictional boundaries,” Thomas said, “and when the criminal elements know they are in Illinois — and sometimes Cook County in particular — they take advantage of that.”

Chiefs added that most people who fly away or evade officers are often trying to hide something illegal in the vehicles.

The Senate bill would not only make fleeing police a felony, but would also increase the prison sentence by one to three if convicted.