Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
An Ohio man faces charges in connection with a weekend Chicago drunk driving accident that claimed two lives.
The 27-year-old Cleveland man had a blood-alcohol level of .148 — nearly twice the legal limit — when the car he was driving slammed into another car, killing two South Side men, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Cook County prosecutors report the man had just gotten into another car accident before Saturday night’s fatal crash. Prosecutors allege the man downed a bottle of Arbor Mist and three vodka martinis, struck a car at 62nd and Ashland, and took off at a high rate of speed after berating the victimized motorists.
Authorities reported that the man weaved in and out of traffic before running a red light at Ashland and 59th and slamming into another car. That crash claimed the lives of a 27-year-old driver and his 28-year-old passenger, both of whom were pronounced dead on arrival at Holy Cross Hospital.
A third passenger was hospitalized at Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
The defendant was jailed and remained in custody after bail was set at $500,000.
Authorities reported that the at-fault driver left a bar at 82nd and Ashland after twice being offered a ride to his destination, which he refused. He faces two counts of reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated DUI, according to police. He also is charged with disobeying a traffic-control signal, negligent driving and driving without insurance.
The accident occurred shortly after 2 a.m., according to the Chicago Breaking News Center.
Last Month, Illinois warned of the high number of drunk drivers out at night, particularly on the weekend. In August, a study reported 1 in 7 weekend nighttime drivers tested positive for alcohol or drug use.
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