SUV Strikes Denny's, Driver Gets Entrapped

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Following an apparent medical episode, a driver struck and penetrated the east wall of Denny's on Sunday, May 3, at 17 W. Algonquin Road Sunday. Jose Ozaeta, 43, of Mundelein, was cited for improper lane use. The Arlington Heights police and fire departments both responded to the scene just west of the intersection of Algonquin and Arlington Heights roads.

The crash, which occurred at approximately 12:04 p.m., involved a single motor vehicle, a red, 2007 Chevrolet Suburban and a structure. According to an independent witness and preliminary on-scene investigation, the vehicle was being driven westbound on Algonquin Road and approaching Arlington Heights Road when the driver apparently suffered a medical episode.

According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, the Suburban drifted into the eastbound lanes of Algonquin and then left the roadway. The SUV initially struck a street light and then hit Denny’s. The witness stopped to help remove the driver’s three minor children from the Suburban.

Firefighters and paramedics extricated the driver. Paramedics treated four occupants of the Suburban and one restaurant employee. Only the driver, Ozaeta, was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The passengers and employee were released at the scene.

The investigation is currently ongoing. A court date for Ozaeta is pending.