ST. CHARLES – A 23-year-old man has been charged with several traffic violations because St. Charles police say he led them on a high-speed chase that began when an officer attempted to pull him over for driving without his lights on.

An officer began following Sheldon K. Bohochik about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday after seeing him drive his darkened Chevrolet Cavalier on Prairie Street, police said.

Another officer reportedly joined the pursuit near the intersection of Prairie Street and Route 31.

Bohochik sharply turned north onto Route 31 and, as if attempting to blend in with traffic, pulled in front of two northbound vehicles in the right curb lane after crossing Illinois Street, police said.

Police said they began catching up to Bohochik as he approached a large green vehicle stopped for a red light at Routes 31 and 64. However, the Cavalier reportedly pulled into the left passing lane when the light turned green and cut in front of the car, which struck the Cavalier's rear passenger side.

Bohochik, who had turned the headlights on during the chase, shut them off again after he turned east on Route 64. He then ran a red light at Route 64 and First Avenue and continually swerved into oncoming traffic, police said.

Police in pursuit of Bohochik reported reaching speeds of 70 mph in the 30 mph zone near 13th Avenue.

The squad car was soon ordered to stop the chase because Bohochik's only offenses were traffic violations, St. Charles police spokesperson Paul McCurtain said.

An officer, however, continued to follow Bohochik at a slower pace and without his emergency lights on. He reported Bohochik ran a red light at Kirk Road and pulled in front of a vehicle near Kautz Road before entering West  Chicago.

West Chicago authorities reportedly pursued Bohochik, who was apprehended in Roselle.

Upon his request, he was taken to Central DuPage Hospital for treatment.

Because Bohochik has charges pending in West Chicago, he was taken to the DuPage County jail and has not yet been processed in Kane County, McCurtain said.

Bohochik, of the 0-100 block of East Woodworth Place, Roselle, was charged with fleeing or eluding police, reckless driving, disobeying a traffic control signal, speeding and improper lane use.

The green car damaged during the chase reportedly drove away from the accident scene. Police were unable to find it later.