Chicago man who led Lombard police on chase is denied pre-trial release

A DuPage County judge Thursday denied pretrial release for a felon facing multiple felony gun and drug charges following a police chase in Lombard.

Denzel Guajardo-Ross, 30, of Chicago, faces one count each of armed habitual criminal, armed violence, manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, all Class X felonies. He also is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated fleeing and eluding.

Lombard police were called around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday regarding a blue Ford that disobeyed a traffic signal and had heavy front-end damage. An officer observed the car at the Zenleaf dispensary, 783 Butterfield Road, and began following the car when the driver, later identified as Guajardo-Ross, entered the car and left the parking lot, authorities said.

The officer attempted a traffic stop after Guajardo-Ross allegedly committed a traffic offense, but the car did not stop. Guajardo-Ross led the female officer on a high-speed chase during which authorities say he violated multiple traffic laws.

The officer terminated pursuit, but observed Guajardo-Ross attempt to drive between two lanes of eastbound traffic where he crashed into several occupied vehicles, authorities said.

Armed with a gun, Guajardo-Ross then attempted to flee on foot. Following a short foot-chase, Guajardo-Ross was taken into custody, authorities said.

Police recovered a loaded 9 mm handgun a short distance from where he was apprehended and found cocaine in the center console of the car, authorities said.

The DuPage County state's attorney said he was thankful the chase did not cause serious harm to others and thanked the Lombard police department and surrounding agencies for their assistance.

Guajardo-Ross will appear in court on Dec. 18 for arraignment.