Two Illinois women are facing felony charges after prosecutors say an attempted traffic stop escalated into a 104-mph chase involving two vehicles, a crashed Infiniti, and a police cruiser that was struck during the pursuit.
According to DuPage County prosecutors, 29-year-old Vanessa Mejia of Elmwood Park was driving an Infiniti that fled from Oak Brook police while 21-year-old Magaly Valencia of Des Plaines drove a Dodge Charger that interfered with the pursuing officer.
The incident began around 10:14 p.m. on August 1 near Butterfield Road and Meyers Road when an Oak Brook police officer attempted to stop the Infiniti for expired license plates and tinted windows.
Police say Mejia did not stop and accelerated away as Valencia attempted to prevent the officer from getting behind the Infiniti and conducting the traffic stop. What followed, according to prosecutors, was a chase that quickly escalated well beyond a simple traffic violation.
Police Say Second Driver Interfered With Pursuit
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Mejia reached speeds exceeding 104 mph in a posted 45 mph zone on Butterfield Road. Prosecutors say Valencia remained involved throughout the pursuit and kept pace with the pursuing officer as the chase continued.
Authorities say the pursuit ended when Mejia lost control of the Infiniti while attempting to pass another vehicle and crashed. Following the crash, prosecutors say the officer immediately applied his brakes. Valencia then lost control of the Dodge Charger and crashed into the officer’s squad car, causing significant damage. The officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment, though officials said the injuries appeared to be minor.
Both Women Ordered Held Pending Trial
A DuPage County judge granted prosecutors’ request to detain both women pending trial.
Mejia is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, driving with a revoked license, reckless driving, and driving with expired license plates. Jail records show she is being held under case number 2026CF001593 and is scheduled to return to court on August 31, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Valencia is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, concealing or aiding a fugitive, reckless driving, and failure to yield to emergency vehicles. Jail records show she is being held under case number 2026CF001594 and is scheduled to appear in court on August 31, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin called the reported conduct “outrageous,” saying he was particularly concerned by prosecutors’ claim that Valencia interfered with the officer during the pursuit and ultimately crashed into the squad car. Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis said the department would not tolerate conduct that endangers officers or the public and praised investigators and prosecutors involved in the case.
Authorities have released the defendants’ names, ages, hometowns, charges, and custody status. Additional personal background information was not included in the public records reviewed by Guessing Headlights.
Readers Couldn’t Get Over the Two-Car Chase
Many readers focused on the unusual allegation that a second driver actively interfered with the attempted traffic stop and pursuit. While some compared the incident to scenes from Fast & Furious and Grand Theft Auto, others were struck by what prosecutors described as a coordinated effort involving two vehicles.
“You have to admire their friendship and teamwork,” one commenter joked. Other readers focused on the danger posed to the officer and other motorists.
“Actions have consequences. If these allegations are true, public safety has to come first,” another commenter wrote. A number of readers also expressed relief that authorities reported only minor injuries despite the reported speeds and the crashes involving both vehicles.
Both women are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.