West Chicago Man Charged With Aggravated DUI For Injuring Pregnant Woman In Accident

Bond was set at $300,000 Friday for a West Chicago man charged with injuring a pregnant woman during an alcohol-induced traffic accident last month.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Glen Ellyn Chief of Police Philip Norton announced that bond has been set for a West Chicago man accused of causing an accident while intoxicated that seriously injured a pregnant woman. The 28-year-old West Chicago resident appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Daniel Guerin set the bond. He is charged with one count of Aggravated DUI – Great Bodily Harm, a Class 4 Felony.

On August 23, 2023, at approximately 11:14am, officers with the Glen Ellyn Police Department responded to a vehicle crash with injuries at Roosevelt Road and Parkside Avenue. Officers found the suspect standing outside his burning car and the victim, a woman who is four months pregnant, still in her vehicle. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital where she received treatment for a fractured ankle, pelvis and sternum. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital for medical attention.

According to police, the suspect crashed into the victim’s vehicle as she was turning out of a grocery store parking lot after he had been observed driving erratically in and out of traffic and, at one point, using the center turn lane to pass other vehicles. It is alleged that at the time of the crash Gayden was under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was arrested on Thursday at the DuPage County Jail where he was in custody on an unrelated matter.

“While allegedly under the influence of alcohol, [the accused] had no business operating a motor vehicle,” Berlin said. “Driving is a privilege, not a right, and it is alleged that [the accused] not only abused that right by getting behind the wheel after he had been drinking, but in doing so, seriously injured a pregnant woman and put many other innocent motorists at risk. I urge everyone, if you have been drinking, call a friend for a ride or use a ride-sharing service. Do not make the mistake of believing you are alright to drive. You will be glad you did when you arrive safe at home and not in jail or worse.”

The accused’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 22, 2023, for a status hearing in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.