Bond Set for Cook County Man Charged with Leading Police on High

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced today that bond has been set for a Cook County man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase after allegedly stealing approximately $8,553.16 worth of merchandise from a Villa Park tobacco store. Michael Soria, 34, (d.o.b. 7/7/1989) of the 13200 block of Olde Western Avenue, Blue Island, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Mia McPherson set bond at $25,000 with 10% to apply. The State had asked for a bond of $150,000 with 10% to apply. Soria is charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony), one count of Possession of Burglary Tools (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony).

On August 29, 2023, at approximately 4:30 a.m., officers with the Villa Park Police Department responded to a call of a burglary that had just occurred at Roosevelt Tobacco located at 133 W. Roosevelt Road. Upon their arrival, officers observed the front window of the business had been shattered. Officers allegedly observed an individual, later identified as Soria, exiting the store with a bag full of merchandise. It is alleged that when officers shined a spotlight on Soria, he dropped the bag of merchandise, ran to a minivan and fled the scene. As officers pursued Soria, it is alleged that he led police on a high-speed chase reaching speeds of approximately 80 mph on eastbound Roosevelt Road. It is further alleged that when police officers successfully deployed spike strips at Roosevelt and I-290, Soria fled the scene on foot running across I-290. Through the course of their investigation, officers located Soria at approximately 10:42 that morning walking near his home. He was taken into custody at that time. Upon searching the van allegedly driven by Soria, authorities found fifty-three cartons of cigarettes allegedly taken from the tobacco store and burglary tools including black gloves, a hammer, a pry bar, a drill and a large breaker bar.

“It is alleged that Mr. Soria not only stole more than $8,500 from a local business, but he then led police on a high-speed chase, putting innocent motorists at risk, in an effort to avoid apprehension and responsibility for his actions,” Berlin said. “Law enforcement in DuPage County however, is extremely well-trained and even though Mr. Soria allegedly ran across I-290 on foot to avoid immediate arrest, officers took him into custody just six hours later without putting their lives or the lives of innocent motorists at risk by engaging in a foot pursuit across a busy expressway. I applaud the Villa Park Police Department for their quick response to the initial call, which ultimately led to the defendant’s arrest, as well as for their continued efforts in keeping our businesses and neighborhoods safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Kelsey Kerr and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing charges against Mr. Soria.”

“The alleged actions of the accused threatened to take away the dream of owning a business and providing goods and services for the community,” Rivas said. “The Villa Park Police Department is vigilant and will do all we can to combat violent crimes as well as property crimes. We will travel great distances, approximately twenty-seven miles in this case, and work together with surrounding law enforcement agencies to bring all who commit crimes to justice. We ask all who see lights, and hear a siren, to yield and/or stop for first responders. We thank the Villa Park Officers for their brave actions as well as the numerous police departments, particularly the Oak Brook Police Department, who assisted in bringing the incident to a successful conclusion. We also thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and his team for their tireless efforts in preparing criminal cases for prosecution.”

Soria’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 27, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge McPherson.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.