(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — A 21-year-old Illinois woman accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Kenosha County at speeds exceeding 100 mph was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bail Tuesday after prosecutors argued her actions posed a serious danger to the public.
(Kenosha County Sheriff)
Desteny Iana Chavez-Diaz, 21, of Waukegan, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court on charges of three counts of First-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, felony Fleeing or Eluding an Officer, Possession of THC, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
According to the criminal complaint, the incident began shortly after midnight on May 24 when Lt. Chase Forster of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a gold Pontiac Torrent near 12th Street and Green Bay Road after observing suspicious driving behavior. Instead of stopping, prosecutors say Chavez-Diaz accelerated away, leading deputies on a pursuit southbound on Highway 31.
Court records allege Chavez-Diaz reached speeds exceeding 100 mph in multiple areas of the pursuit, including stretches where the speed limit was 45 mph. Authorities say she ran a red light at the busy intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 31 at approximately 85 mph and narrowly avoided a collision with another vehicle while continuing southbound.
The chase continued through the City of Kenosha and into Pleasant Prairie, where officers deployed spike strips. Despite having a tire deflated by the spikes, prosecutors say Chavez-Diaz continued driving before eventually bringing the vehicle to a stop near the 10800 block of Highway 31.
A passenger in the vehicle told investigators she repeatedly begged Chavez-Diaz to pull over and feared for her safety throughout the pursuit. According to the complaint, the passenger said Chavez-Diaz repeatedly stated she was not going to jail and continued driving despite requests to stop.
Investigators later searched the vehicle and reported finding multiple THC vape cartridges, marijuana-related paraphernalia, and two large bags containing an unidentified pink crystalline substance. The substance tested inconclusive during field testing, according to court records.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Assistant District Attorney Toni Young argued that Chavez-Diaz’s conduct endangered not only the passenger in her vehicle, but also motorists traveling on Kenosha County roadways.
“These are not victimless crimes,” Young told the court, emphasizing the potential consequences of high-speed pursuits through populated areas.
Young requested a $50,000 cash bail, arguing that Chavez-Diaz’s alleged conduct demonstrated a substantial disregard for public safety and created a significant risk to the community.
Court Commissioner William Michel II ultimately set bail at $25,000 cash with conditions that Chavez-Diaz not possess or consume alcohol or controlled substances, not drive without a valid license, and have no contact with her passenger.
If convicted on all charges, Chavez-Diaz faces more than 43 years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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7 Responses
Frankly I am glad for the high bond. What a punk! Look how many people she put at risk! She lucky no one was hurt or killed.
DEPORT!!!
Is she Trent Kmiec’s cousin by chance? All this story is missing is drugs and a Glock with an extended mag…
Congratulations on being the star of the Fast and Felonious sequel only you look too dumb too drift and nobody wanted to watch that shit show in the first place 😉
FIB
Driving away from the cops and causing a high speed chase is attempted murder or manslaughter …… of every member of the public … and the laws should be changed to reflect this reality.
But murder and manslaughter by motor vehicle has been excused practically ever since cars proliferated.