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 chase.
A Traffic Stop That Never Happened
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 tried to initiate a traffic stop around Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. Police said the car had no headlights illuminated, no front license plate, an expired rear plate, and a fully tinted front windshield that didn’t comply with state regulations.
Authorities say the officer activated emergency lights to stop the Camaro, but Garcia allegedly ignored the signal and accelerated away instead. The complaint alleges Garcia reached speeds of 63 miles per hour in a posted 40 mile-per-hour zone while continuing to evade police.
The Camaro Goes Airborne
During the pursuit, Garcia is accused of running a red light at the intersection of Randall Road and Commercial Drive, putting other motorists at risk. Police say the car later became airborne near the intersection of Delaware Drive and Chippewa Trail — a moment investigators cited as clear evidence of reckless driving and extreme speed.
The pursuit ended shortly after, and officers took Garcia into custody. A search of the vehicle turned up a THC vape pen, according to police, and authorities also determined the Camaro was uninsured at the time.
The Charges and What Comes Next
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 — allegations that remain unproven at this stage.
Garcia made his first court appearance in McHenry County on Jan. 2 before Judge Cynthia Lamb. As a condition of his pretrial release, the judge ordered him not to operate a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and to comply with all state motor vehicle laws while the case moves forward.
All parties are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.