Driver charged with DUI for Arlington Heights crash that took out train crossing

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, In poor health. (WLS) — A driver has been charged with driving below the affect for a Sunday morning crash that severely broken a prepare crossing in Arlington Heights.

Police stated simply after 7:30 a.m. Sunday, EMTs responded to a crash with somebody trapped at Arlington Heights Highway and Northwest Freeway, subsequent to the Union Pacific grade prepare crossing.

Police stated an investigation discovered a 2020 Nissan Juke was driving south on Arlington Heights Highway towards the intersection at greater than 100 miles per hour simply earlier than sideswiping a Toyota Camry that had simply began shifting at a inexperienced gentle.

The Nissan driver misplaced management and struck the prepare crossing sign on the northwest nook of the crossing. All three tracks have been closed for a number of hours after the crash.

All the crash was caught on video from enterprise surveillance cameras close by.

Each the drivers have been the one individuals of their automobile. The Nissan driver, recognized as Johnny Benitez of Northfield, needed to be extricated and was taken to Lutheran Normal Hospital for therapy. The motive force of the Camry was taken to Northwest Group Hospital with non-life threatening accidents.

Benitez was launched from the hospital and charged with one felony rely of aggravated driving below the affect; 4 misdemeanor counts of driving drunk, reckless driving, driving on a revoked license, and velocity; and cited for 4 site visitors offenses.

The prepare crossing stays below restore, and all oncoming trains have been required to sound their horns when approaching the crossing to warn oncoming drivers. Arlington Heights police didn’t say after they count on the crossing repairs to be fastened.

Benitez appeared in court docket and was given $15,000 bond. He’s due again in court docket in late November.