Land speed record on Rakow Road - 118MPH

Gus Philpott
Woodstock Advocate
February 9, 2010

I was in court this morning to observe a couple of trials and a hearing and, while I was there, a case was called for a young man who got a speeding ticket last fall. A preliminary deal had been in the works but, when it was presented to Judge Weech, the Village of Lake in the Hills didn't want to go through with it.

Since it wasn't a trial this morning, the judge and the lawyers wanted to have a "402 conference" and Judge Weech asked the defendant if he would agree (which he didn't have to). The defendant agreed.

After a recess and that short conference, the case was called again. The deal was off, and Judge Weech set a trial date for July 27 at 10:00AM.

The court call described the violation as Speed - 40 over. Being naturally curious, I went to the courthouse computers and looked up the young man's ticket.

Joseph A. Beausang, age 16, was cited on October 24, 2009, at 7:41PM for speeding westbound on Rakow Road, west of Pyott. His speed, on radar? 118MPH in the 45MPH zone.

That's 118MPH. In a black 2009 Pontiac. Lake in the Hills Airport is close to that location. Had he just taken off, or was he coming in for a landing?

Young Beausang was 73MPH over the posted speed limit on a two-lane roadway on that early Fall evening.

I agree with no plea bargain on this one. The trial should be interesting. Three cheers to Lake in the Hills for being unwilling to bargain.

Keep in mind that he's innocent until found Guilty. Will Lake in the Hills be able to prove it? Let's hope that Officer Berens followed all the steps in setting up his radar for use that evening.

How much do you think the fine and court costs will be, if young Beausang is found Guilty?