DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Todd Kubish announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Chicago convicted felon accused of leading police on a high-speed chase while in possession of a loaded handgun.
Don Williams Jr., 20, appeared in court on Aug. 18, and was charged with one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony), one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony) and one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding (Class 4 felony).
On Aug. 16, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Villa Park police attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Route 83 and St. Charles Road on a vehicle suspected of being involved in a previous felony for illegally-tinted windows and improper lane usage. The vehicle initially pulled over. It is alleged however, that when the officer exited his squad car, the offending vehicle, later determined to be driven by Williams, fled at a high rate of speed, exceeding 107 mph in a 55-mph zone at Roosevelt Road and York Street.
Williams reportedly drove to eastbound I-290, where Oak Brook police successfully spike-stripped the vehicle, deflating two of its tires. It is alleged that Williams continued to drive at 65-70 mph on two tires before slowing down and crashing into a guardrail. It is further alleged that after crashing, Williams and four other individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Williams was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. When processing the vehicle, officers located a loaded Glock handgun with a 28-round extended magazine on the driver's seat, and an extended magazine on the back seat.
“Law enforcement in DuPage County has zero tolerance for those who endanger the public in an attempt to outrun the police,” Berlin said. “The allegation that Mr. Williams fled police at speeds in excess of 100 mph down a busy road to avoid capture are outrageous. Additionally, as a convicted felon, Mr. Williams has legally forfeited his right to legally possess a firearm and the allegation that he was in possession of a loaded gun with an extended magazine as he fled will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Fleeing from authorities puts many people in harm’s way and we are all very thankful that no one was injured during this incident. I thank the Villa Park Police Department for their efforts on this case as well as the Oak Brook, Elmhurst and Hillside Police Departments, and the Darien and Wood Dale Police Department K-9 Units for their assistance.”
“This incident demonstrates the serious dangers our officers and communities face when individuals engage in criminal activity with complete disregard for public safety,” Kubish said. “A convicted felon, armed with a handgun, allegedly drove at speeds reaching 107 mph with a juvenile and other passengers inside the vehicle, endangering the public, responding officers, and those passengers. Through the coordinated efforts of the Villa Park Police Department, Oak Brook Police Department, Elmhurst Police Department, Hillside Police Department, Darien Police Department K-9 Unit, Wood Dale Police Department K-9 Unit, the vehicle was disabled, and five individuals were apprehended. I want to thank Chief [Brian] Strockis and the men and women of the Oak Brook Police Department for their continued commitment to proactive policing, along with every officer and agency that assisted in bringing this dangerous incident to a safe conclusion. I also want to recognize DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their continued partnership with law enforcement and their commitment to holding those who commit criminal acts accountable in DuPage County.”
Williams’ next court appearance in DuPage County is scheduled for Sept. 14, in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.
On July 27, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced charges against Williams and two other Cook County men for their alleged participation in a video gaming burglary ring. Raoul’s office charged that Williams, Devontay A. Brady, 30, of Maywood, and Anthony T. Shorter, 23, of Bellwood, were part of a ring that stole more than $100,000 from video gaming machines in Cook, Will and Grundy counties from October 2025 through July 2026. Williams was charged with one count of theft, 11 counts of burglary, three counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and two counts of armed violence.
