Man Pleads Guilty in 2011 DUI Pursuit

 Posted on February 02, 2013 in Criminal Defense

In early 2011, Henry Benjamin III, 39, led police on a wild chase through several northwest suburbs before crashing his car into a West Dundee police car, injuring several officers in the process, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Benjamin plead guilty this January to one count of aggravated DUI and one count of aggravated driving on a revoked license, and faces punishment for two Class 2 felonies, according to a release from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office. When tested the night of the incident, records show that Benjamin’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

The ordeal began when Carpentersville police stopped Benjamin for a routine traffic violation on Route 25. Benjamin failed to "provide the officer with his driver’s license and proof of insurance, and when he attempted to reach into the center console of his car, the officer became alarmed and a struggle ensued," according to the Sun-Times. The officer was dragged behind Benjamin’s car for a short distance after the drunk driver pulled off, and proceeded to lead "multiple squad cars from multiple jurisdictions on a lengthy chase at speeds over the speed limits," until losing control of his car. One officer continues, at the beginning of 2013, to recover from injuries sustained in the incident. A 2008 report issued by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) states that, by far, automobile, motorcycle, and aircraft accidents cause the most law enforcement officer deaths each year. "Although the way the FBI reports this data renders uncertain how many of these incidents involve a high speed pursuits," the IACP report states, "the numbers are still compelling." If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI or have lead the police on a high-speed chase and are now facing aggravated driving charges, don’t go through it alone. Contact a dedicated Chicago-area criminal defense attorney today. Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net