Children Injured In DUI Crash On Midlothian Turnpike: Police

CRESTWOOD, IL — A Harvey man triggered a crash that injured two children by trying to make a turn on the Midlothian Turnpike, prosecutors said. William Crawford, 80, appeared before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on a felony charge of causing an accident and bodily harm while driving under the influence. Crawford is also facing misdemeanor charges for DUI and other traffic violations.

Crawford was driving in the 4000 block of the Midlothian Turnpike when he allegedly hit a vehicle carrying five children around 4:45 p.m. on March 19. The crash pushed the car into an empty school bus. One of the children suffered a broken arm and another may need surgery.

The prosecutor stated that Crawford admitted to “drinking beers” to police before the crash. Crawford allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer test.

“I don’t think you’re going to be driving for awhile,” Mahoney said, ordering Crawford not to drive while his case is pending.

Crawford was released on a $10,000 I-bond. Crawford’s due back in court April 17 in Bridgeview.