DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Police Chief Bill Murphy announced a man was taken into custody on June 12, stemming from an incident that occurred at Mariano’s, 625 S. Main St, on June 2, 2020. Timothy J. Meijer, 32 years of age, of Woodstock, Ill., was taken into custody and charged with aggravated battery to a Police Officer, two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding, and burglary. Meijer is currently an inmate at DuPage County Jail, where bond is set at $150,000 with 10% to apply.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on June 2, 2020. It is alleged Meijer entered the Wheaton Mariano’s with the intention to steal alcohol. With more than $1,400 of unpaid merchandise in a shopping cart, he allegedly fled the store and was confronted by a Wheaton Police Officer. As Meijer attempted to flee, he struck the officer with his car. Meijer allegedly fled from other police officers who attempted to stop him. After a brief pursuit, the officers terminated the chase and Meijer escaped.
Through additional investigation, Meijer was identified as the offender and an arrest warrant was obtained.
“The offender in this incident came to Wheaton to victimize our community," said Chief Murphy. "He battered an officer and proceeded to put others at risk with his reckless driving in his bid to avoid arrest. We are grateful for the assistance of DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s staff in holding Meijer accountable for his actions.”
“I commend the Wheaton Police Department for their ongoing efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Berlin said. “The arrest and filing of charges against the defendant in this case demonstrates their strong commitment to the citizens and businesses of Wheaton.”
Note: Members of the public are reminded that this press release contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.