Waukegan, IL - Police Chase Ends in Crash at Glen Flora Rd and Lewis Ave

Waukegan, IL (July 17, 2025) – A high-speed police chase through Lake County on Wednesday evening ended in a crash and the arrest of two individuals, including a man accused of fleeing in a stolen SUV. The incident left an innocent driver injured and temporarily disrupted traffic near Glen Flora Road and Lewis Avenue in Waukegan.

The chase began around 5:35 p.m. on July 16 after Lake County Sheriff’s deputies spotted 31-year-old Felix Guadarrama of Waukegan driving westbound in a GMC Envoy along Grand Avenue near Route 21 in the Gurnee area. Deputies identified Guadarrama as the same man who, earlier that day, was seen operating a stolen Ford Explorer while allegedly in possession of a firearm.

Investigators said the vehicle was abandoned by Guadarrama in Lake Forest and switched to the Envoy. When deputies initiated a traffic stop, the individual fled, leading to a high-speed pursuit through multiple Lake County communities. During the 20-minute chase, Guadarrama’s SUV reportedly sideswiped two other vehicles and eventually lost its front left tire. Despite the damage, he continued to flee until crashing into a Toyota Camry at the intersection of Glen Flora Road and Lewis Avenue in Waukegan.

Following the crash, Guadarrama and his passenger, 22-year-old Brianna Koch of Lake Villa, attempted to run but were quickly apprehended after a brief foot chase. Deputies reported that Guadarrama resisted arrest and was tased before being taken into custody.

The driver of the Toyota Camry was injured in the crash and transported to a local hospital for treatment. No details have been released about the extent of their injuries.

Guadarrama now faces four counts of aggravated fleeing to elude, in addition to multiple traffic citations. Koch was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of cocaine. Both are currently being held in the Lake County Jail pending court hearings.

We hope the injured victim in the Toyota Camry makes a full and speedy recovery.

Car Accidents in Illinois

Illinois roads witness thousands of traffic incidents annually, and high-speed chases involving suspects add a dangerous layer of unpredictability to public roadways. In 2023, over 1,200 people died in traffic-related incidents across the state. Situations involving fleeing suspects significantly increase risks to bystanders and other motorists.

As crashes like this show, here are some of the consequences of police pursuits and their impact on public safety:

• Increased Risk to Innocent Drivers: When a suspect flees at high speed, everyone else on the road is immediately at risk. Innocent motorists can be hit without warning, leading to serious injuries or death, particularly at intersections or during rush hour.

• Collateral Property Damage: Pursuits often result in more than just injuries—multiple vehicles, street infrastructure, and private property are frequently damaged as suspects drive erratically to avoid capture.

• Law Enforcement Dilemmas: Police must balance the urgency of capturing a fleeing suspect with public safety. Many departments have strict policies regarding when and how to initiate or continue a pursuit, especially in residential or congested areas.

• Criminal and Civil Repercussions: Individuals involved in police pursuits face serious felony charges, while victims of these crashes may pursue civil litigation for damages related to their injuries, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by a fleeing driver or other dangerous behavior on the road, contact a car accident attorney right away. The hours following a collision are critical for gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and dealing with insurance companies. An experienced attorney can help you seek compensation and protect your rights through every step of the legal process.

The Law Office of Michael W. Kopsick is here to support you. Our team understands the pain and confusion that often follow unexpected accidents, especially those involving reckless drivers. We offer free consultations and are ready to help. Call our Waukegan car accident attorneys today at (847) 807-8695. We’ll assess your case, explain your options, and provide honest guidance at every turn. Let us help you find the clarity and support you need during this time.

Disclaimer: Accident reports on this site are sourced from police and fire departments, news outlets, social media, and eyewitnesses. The Law Office of Michael W. Kopsick has not independently verified this information. To report an error or request a removal, please contact us directly.

Note: We urge everyone to drive safely and stay alert to prevent accidents. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. It is not a solicitation for legal services. Images used are for illustration only and do not show the actual accident.