Following an extensive investigation, two men have been charged with illegal street racing in Naperville that allegedly caused a crash that sent two passengers in one of the vehicles to the hospital with serious injuries.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that and 18-year-old Bensenville man and a 23-year-old Lisle man have each been charged with one count of Aggravated Street Racing (a Class 4 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Reckless Driving Causing Great Bodily Harm (a Class 4 Felony).
According to prosecutors, on April 26 at approximately 12:06am, Naperville Police responded to a vehicle crash in front of the Courtyard Marriott at 1155 E. Diehl Road. While investigating the crash, officers learned that a black 2006 Mercedes CLS500, allegedly driven by the 18-year-old subject, had been racing another vehicle when the Mercedes swerved and crashed into a tree, causing serious injuries to two of the vehicle’s four passengers who had been ejected from the vehicle. One of the victims, a seventeen-year-old male, was unconscious at the scene and suffered internal brain bleeding, a punctured lung, broken ribs, a broken vertebrae and scapula. The second victim, an eighteen-year-old male, suffered a broken arm.
Both victims were immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention. Following further investigation, it is alleged that the 23-year-old suspect was driving a blue 2024 Acura ZDX eastbound on Diehl Road and Mill Street when the first suspect stopped next to him, pointed at him, and gave a hand gesture implying that he wanted to race. It is alleged that the pair raced and stopped at the traffic control light at Washington Street and Diehl Road and then raced again, reaching speeds of up to 101 mph in a 40 mph zone. As they raced, the first suspect lost control of the Mercedes and crashed into the tree.
“Street racing is not just illegal, it is extremely dangerous not just for those behind the wheel, but also for their passengers, other motorists and nearby pedestrians,” Berlin said. “The blatant disregard for public safety allegedly exhibited by both of these men is astounding and will not be tolerated on the streets of DuPage County.”
The next court appearance for the 18-year-old suspect is scheduled for July 18 and the next court appearance for the 23-year-old suspect is scheduled for July 28.
