December 10, 2025
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced today Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a Chicago man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase yesterday afternoon. Dwaun Blalock, 19 (d.o.b. 5/16/2006) of the 1500 block of E. 74th Street, appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony).
On December 9, 2025, at approximately 11:57 a.m., an Oak Brook police officer activated his emergency lights in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop near I-88 westbound and Midwest Road on a 2023 Chevy Malibu wanted in connection with a retail theft and robbery that occurred on December 4, 2025. It is alleged that instead of stopping however, the Malibu, later determined to be driven by Blalock, fled the officer at a high rate of speed. It is alleged that as Blalock fled, he reached speeds in excess of 115 m.p.h. on I-88 and weaved in and out of traffic before exiting I-88 at Highland Avenue. It is further alleged that Blalock then re-entered I-88 heading eastbound where he ultimately reached speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h. The officer terminated pursuit out of safety concerns. It is further alleged that Blalock continued to flee officers from other jurisdictions and was tracked by a Chicago Police Department helicopter to the intersection of 113th Street and Indiana Avenue in Chicago where he exited the Malibu and entered an apartment building in the 0-100 block of 113th Street. Authorities found Blalock in the bathroom of one of the units after the occupant consented to a search of the apartment. He was taken into custody at this time.
“The alleged conduct of Mr. Blalock demonstrates an absolute lack of concern for public safety and the safety of the officers involved,” Berlin said. “With the busy holiday season in full swing and the resulting increased traffic, along with hazardous road conditions that often come with winter weather, I urge everyone to please be careful when driving and if you see flashing lights behind you, pull over. Do not attempt to outrun the law. In DuPage County we do not tolerate this type of dangerous behavior and will use every tool at our disposal, including use of a helicopter as in this case, to safely apprehend anyone who attempts to flee the police. I commend the Oak Brook Police Department for their efforts and good judgement on this case and for their continued work in keeping our streets safe. I thank the Countryside and Hodgkin Police Departments for their assistance and the Chicago Police Department Helicopter Unit for air support. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Michael Pingaj for their work securing charges against this Mr. Blalock.”
“When police officers are properly trained, equipped, and empowered to do their jobs, communities become safer,” Strockis said. “This arrest is a clear reflection of that policing philosophy at the Oak Brook Police Department. Technology, proactive policing, and strong collaboration with partnering agencies all played a key role in bringing this offender to justice. I’d like to thank the Chicago Police Department Helicopter Unit, along with all the other agencies that assisted in this incident. I’d also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their guidance and support throughout this case.”
Blalock’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 5, 2026, in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.
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.
