By Shawn Henry 
A Lake in the Hills man is facing multiple felony and traffic charges after authorities say he fled from a police officer at such a high rate of speed that his car briefly went airborne during the pursuit.
According to a criminal complaint filed in McHenry County court, 21-year-old Edwin Garcia was driving a Chevrolet Camaro that lacked required equipment and identification when an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop around Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. Police said the vehicle had no headlights illuminated, no front license plate, an expired rear plate, and a fully tinted front windshield that did not comply with state regulations.
Authorities said the officer activated emergency lights in an effort to stop the Camaro, but Garcia allegedly ignored the signal and accelerated away. The complaint states that Garcia drove at speeds reaching 63 miles per hour in a posted 40 mile-per-hour zone while continuing to evade police.
During the pursuit, Garcia is accused of driving through a red traffic signal at the intersection of Randall Road and Commercial Drive, creating a dangerous situation for other motorists. Police said the vehicle later became airborne near the intersection of Delaware Drive and Chippewa Trail, a moment investigators cited as evidence of reckless driving and extreme speed.
The pursuit ended shortly thereafter, and officers took Garcia into custody. During a search of the vehicle, police reported finding a THC vape pen inside the Camaro. Authorities also determined the vehicle was uninsured at the time of the incident.
Garcia has been charged with felony aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer at speeds exceeding 21 miles per hour over the limit, reckless driving, unlawful possession of marijuana, and several petty traffic offenses. The felony charge reflects the level of risk police say was created during the incident.
Garcia made his first court appearahttps://theautowire.com/?s=felonynce in McHenry County on Jan. 2 before Judge Cynthia Lamb. As part of his pretrial release conditions, the judge ordered Garcia not to operate a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and to comply with all state motor vehicle laws while the case proceeds.
The charges remain pending as the case moves through the court system. All parties are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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