Aurora Man Charged With Fleeing Police Posts Bail

Billy Cole Jr. was released on Saturday after his step brother posted a $7,500 bond, according to the Beacon News. Cole was out on bail for unrelated attempted murder and DUI charges when he led police on a pursuit and crashed his vehicle. A sheriff's deputy reportedly saw Cole speeding on March 27. When the deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop, Cole led police on a high-speed pursuit and crashed into a traffic signal near Route 25 and Ashland Avenue in Aurora, according to the Sheriff's Office. While Cole's passenger, identified by police as 37-year-old Brian Ingram, suffered potentially life-threatening injuries, Cole was able to escape the crash on foot, fleeing into a nearby cemetery, according to Lt. Patrick Gengler of the Kane County Sheriff's Office. Ingram was transported to Rush-Copley Hospital after the crash. Gengler said the car had been reported stolen to Aurora police. A deputy in pursuit gave Cole several commands to stop before releasing his K9, Gengler said. Cole was able to climb a fence to avoid the dog, and the deputy walked through an opening in the fence and ordered Cole to the ground, police said. When Cole did not comply, the deputy drew his Taser and again ordered Cole onto the ground, and this time he surrendered, according to Gengler. Cole was taken to Rush-Copley Hospital, where he remained overnight. The Sheriff's Department said they did not know the extent of Cole's criminal history. "We weren't going to bring him to jail that night," Gengler told the Beacon News. "Had they said he would be released, that's a different decision." At around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kane County deputies learned that Cole had fled from the hospital, Gengler said. Deputies were still looking to apprehend Cole as of late Tuesday afternoon, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on the following charges:

• Aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude a Police Officer
• Aggravated reckless driving causing great bodily harm, disability or disfigurement
• Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident
• Driving on a revoked license where 2 or more persons were injured
• Driving on a revoked license while license is revoked for DUI
• Resisting or obstructing a peace officer
• Disobeying a stop sign

Cole also had an outstanding unserved order of protection out of Sangamon County, police said. A charge is merely an accusation of a crime, not a finding of guilt.

Photo provided by the Kane County Sheriff's Office