West Chicago man charged with involuntary manslaughter remains in custody pending trial

A West Chicago man accused of leaving the scene of an accident Wednesday that killed an 85-year-old woman has been denied temporary release.

DuPage County Prosecutor Robert Berlin and Wheaton Police Chief Princeton Youker announced Friday that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state's request to deny bail to the 43-year-old suspect charged with reckless homicide (a Class 3 felony) was charged with one count); one count of leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury or death (a Class 4 felony); one count of obstruction of justice (a Class 4 felony) and numerous misdemeanor and minor traffic offenses, including speeding in excess of 35 miles per hour and failure to obey a traffic control device.

On Wednesday at approximately 1:16 p.m., Wheaton police officers responded to a traffic collision at County Farm Road and the DuPage County Complex entrance north of Manchester Road. Upon arrival, officers observed a Jeep Wrangler, allegedly driven by the suspect, with significant front and passenger side damage, and a Honda CRV in the southbound lane with significant front and passenger side damage.

According to a police investigation, it was determined that the Honda was traveling north on County Farm Road waiting to turn left into the county complex at the county campus “main entrance” traffic light. Police also noted that the green arrow for northbound traffic on County Farm was illuminated to complete the turn into the County Complex, while southbound traffic on County Farm was lit solid red. As the victim turned left into the complex, the suspect, who was driving southbound on County Farm Road at 82 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone five seconds before the crash, ignored the solid red light and crashed into the passenger side of the Honda.

Police say the suspect fled the scene on foot after the crash, but quickly found himself on the north side of Manchester Road, west of County Farm Road. At that point, he allegedly gave authorities a false name and resisted arrest.

The driver and passenger of the Honda were immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The passenger was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later, while the driver was later released.

“[The suspect’s] “The alleged reckless driving on a busy road that runs through the middle of the county complex in the middle of the day shows his complete disregard for public safety,” Berlin said. “I extend my sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends on their tragic loss. Experiencing the sudden, heartbreaking loss of a loved one is devastating and I wish them comfort and strength as they move on with their lives with only their memories.”

The suspect's next court date is scheduled for December 2, 2024 for arraignment before Judge Brian Telander.