Out-of-state man charged after police chase ends in Rosemont

A man with last known addresses in Michigan and Texas faces a slew of charges after a police pursuit that started in Franklin Park ended with his arrest Tuesday night in Rosemont.

Erik Small, 45, was charged Wednesday with aggravated battery to a peace officer, criminal damage to government property, aggravated fleeing and eluding, aggravated driving while license revoked, aggravated driving under the influence, and aggravated reckless driving. Small also faces a parole violation out of Michigan.

The pursuit began about 6 p.m. Tuesday in Franklin Park, stemming from a report of a suspicious person. Officers tried talking to the man, but he fled, according to a Rosemont Public Safety Department news release.

As Franklin Park police headed north on River Road toward the Rosemont border, they ended their pursuit. Rosemont cops picked up the vehicle a short time later near the entrance to the gated Scott Street subdivision on Higgins Road, authorities said.

The driver backed up and rammed a squad car, then fled to southbound River Road, police said.

Near the westbound entrance to Interstate 190, the car spun out, and a Rosemont officer struck the vehicle with the front push bars of his squad car, which stopped the vehicle, authorities said.

Small resisted arrest but was taken into custody with the help of Rosemont's police dog, officials said.

Several Rosemont officers were involved in the chase and apprehension, including four who were off-duty. No injuries were reported.

Rosemont authorities said Small was on parole for a drug offense and a warrant was issued for his arrest June 24 for not checking in. His criminal history also includes fleeing, driving under the influence, assault and disorderly conduct, police said.

Evidence technicians started combing through Small's vehicle after getting a search warrant approved Wednesday.