Chicago Man Accused of High-Speed Chase in Stolen Car Ordered Held

Claude Miles faces charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding, possession of burglary tools after alleged pursuit through multiple suburbs.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 28-year-old Chicago man, Claude Miles, has been ordered held in jail after he was accused of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle early Tuesday morning. Prosecutors say the chase started when a Hinsdale police officer spotted Miles driving a 2013 Ford Fiesta without a rear license plate and attempted a traffic stop, but Miles allegedly fled, reaching speeds up to 73 mph in a 35-mph zone. The chase continued through Downers Grove and into Oak Brook, where officers there joined the pursuit. Miles allegedly drove through a red light, but officers were able to spike his tires, though he continued driving on the opposite side of the road before eventually coming to a stop near Jorie Plaza. Police found a flathead screwdriver and hammer in the stolen vehicle during a search.

Why it matters

High-speed police chases pose serious risks to public safety, and this incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending suspects who are willing to endanger others to evade arrest. The case also raises questions about bail reform and whether repeat offenders should be released pending trial for certain crimes.

The details

According to prosecutors, around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, a Hinsdale police officer spotted a 2013 Ford Fiesta being driven by Claude Miles without a rear license plate and attempted a traffic stop. Miles allegedly did not stop and fled from the officer, reaching speeds up to 73 mph in a 35-mph zone. The officer turned off his lights but continued to follow the vehicle as it drove through Downers Grove and into Oak Brook, where officers there joined the pursuit. After driving through a red light, the tires of the Ford were spiked, but Miles allegedly continued driving on the opposite side of the road on 31st Street and Regent Drive, crossing over IL-Route 83, before eventually coming to a stop near Jorie Plaza. Miles was taken into custody without incident, and police found a flathead screwdriver and a hammer in the stolen vehicle.

  • Around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the incident began.

The players

Claude Miles

A 28-year-old Chicago resident who was accused of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle.

Hinsdale Police Department

The law enforcement agency that initially spotted and attempted to stop Claude Miles for driving a vehicle without a rear license plate.

Oak Brook Police Department

The law enforcement agency that joined the pursuit of Claude Miles after he fled from Hinsdale police and entered their jurisdiction.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge ordered Miles to be held pending the state's motion to revoke his pre-trial release on a pending burglary and retail theft case scheduled for Wednesday.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for continued discussions around bail reform and public safety, as well as the challenges police face in pursuing suspects who show a disregard for the law and the wellbeing of others.