2 Charged With DUI in October Fatal Crash on Algonquin Bypass

ALGONQUIN, IL - Two men now face drunken driving charges for their involvement in a crash on the Algonquin Bypass that killed a 35-year-old Crystal Lake man in October.

Hector Chavera, 40, of Lake in the Hills, and Eric A. Escutia, 34, of Woodstock, both face multiple charges in connection with the Oct. 15 crash--including the most serious charge of aggravated driving while under the influence-resulting in death, which is a class 2 felony, according to a news release from the Algonquin Police Department.

The multiple-vehicle crash occurred at about 5:39 p.m. on Oct. 15 on the Route 31 Algonquin Bypass north of Route 62. Three motorcyclists, including Chavera and Escutia, were heading north on Route 31 when they hit the raised media and went into the southbound lanes.

Alex J. Misurelli, 35, of Crystal Lake, was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle and was struck by a Honda Accord. Misurelli was killed in the crash. The driver of the Honda Accord, a 25-year-old Palatine man, was taken to a local hospital and later released after treatment of his injuries.

Chavera, who was also on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, was ejected from his motorcycle after striking the media. He was taken to a local hospital and then flown to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. His motorcycle was then struck by a Nissan Armada driven by a 16-year-old Crystal Lake boy. The teen was not injured.

Armada was released from the hospital and now faces the following charges:

• Aggravated Driving While Under The Influence of Alcohol – Resulting in Death (Class 2)
• Aggravated Driving While Under The Influence of Alcohol – Great Bodily Harm (Class 4)
• Aggravated Driving While Under The Influence of Alcohol – Suspended Driver’s License (Class 4)
• Aggravated Driving While License Revoked – Involving Death (Class 4)
• Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol (2 Counts) (Class A)
• Failure to Reduce Speed

Escutia was also ejected from his Yamaha motorcycle after striking the median. He was transported to a local hospital and later released. He now faces the following charges:

• Aggravated Driving While Under The Influence of Alcohol – Resulting in Death (Class 2)
• Aggravated Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol – Great Bodily Harm (Class 4)
• Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol (2 Counts) (Class A)
• Failure to Reduce Speed, Operation of Uninsured Motor Vehicle.

The crash remains under investigation by the Algonquin Police Department at this time and no further information is available for release.