A Chicago woman, Terry Kahdijah, 30, was arrested Wednesday following a high-speed police chase and subsequent collision in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Kahdijah faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding, criminal damage to property, and numerous traffic violations.
The Incident
The ordeal began around 2:35 p.m. when Oak Brook police were alerted about a black Audi Q5 suspected of being involved in a robbery and retail theft in Countryside.
Officers tracked the vehicle near Oak Brook Mall and conducted surveillance with an unmarked squad car.
When Kahdijah attempted to leave the mall, her vehicle allegedly rolled backward into the unmarked police car.
Officers activated their lights, but Kahdijah reportedly ignored them, speeding through a red light and reaching at least 61 mph in a 40-mph zone on westbound 22nd Street.
At the intersection of Route 83 and 22nd Street, she attempted a reckless right turn from the far-left lane, crashing into a Lexus SUV. The collision rendered her Audi inoperable.
Arrest and Hospital Damage
Kahdijah refused to exit her vehicle, prompting officers to forcibly remove her and transport her to a hospital for evaluation.
While handcuffed to a hospital bed, she allegedly caused approximately $7,000 in damage to the equipment.
Legal Proceedings
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin condemned the incident, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season.
“This type of alleged behavior… puts not only the accused at risk, but also the officers involved as well as the motoring public,” Berlin stated.
Kahdijah is being held without pre-trial release and is facing additional charges in Cook County for fleeing police. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 23.
