Driver charged in high-speed Lombard chase, crash
A Round Lake Beach man led police on a brief chase at speeds approaching 100 mph before crashing into another vehicle on Butterfield Road in Oak Brook early Saturday, authorities said.
Michael L. Holst, 39, appeared in DuPage County bond court Monday on charges of aggravated fleeing or eluding and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Lombard police clocked Holst driving 92 mph on eastbound Butterfield Road at Highland Avenue about 1 a.m. Saturday, Deputy Police Chief Pat Rollins said.
Rollins said officers in two squad cars tried to stop the Chevy Trailblazer but Holst pulled ahead, running three stoplights before swerving across three lanes and rear-ending an Audi at Butterfield and 22nd Street.
“It was all over in about a minute,” Rollins said.
The Audi’s occupants, a 27-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, were taken to a hospital with injuries. Holst, who appeared in court with cuts on his forehead, also was hospitalized, police said.
In court Monday, Prosecutor Demetri Demopoulos said Holst registered a preliminary blood-alcohol level of .27, more than three times the legal threshold of .08. He said Holst, of the 1800 block of North Carl Drive, received court supervision for DUI in 2010.
Authorities were still investigating Holst’s top speed but said it might have been over 100 mph. The speed limit on Butterfield Road is 45 mph.
Judge Elizabeth Sexton set bail at $150,000, meaning Holst would have to post $15,000 to go free before trial.
Rollins said police were relieved the accident wasn’t more serious.
“We’re very disappointed someone got behind the wheel and decided to drink and drive and put the public at risk,” he said. “It could have been much worse.”
Holst is scheduled to appear May 7 in front of Judge George Bakalis.