Palatine Man Charged In Car Crash That Killed Teacher: Wheeling PD

WHEELING, IL — A man accused of causing a fatal traffic crash that killed a local teacher earlier this month appeared in court Thursday. Guillermo Salgado, 28, of Palatine, is being charged with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence stemming from the Dec. 18 crash.

Robert Gillen, 53, a teacher at Wauconda High School, died after being struck head-on by a car driven by Salgado. Gillen, also of Palatine, served as a math teacher and was the school's head athletic trainer since 1996.

According to Wheeling police, Salgado was driving a Toyota Camry and entered the westbound lanes of Palatine Road at the intersection of Wheeling Road against the flow of traffic and in the wrong lane. He then drove faster than the posted speed limit while continuing east before striking a Ford Edge driven by Gillen. Additional passengers in each car suffered minor injuries.

During the subsequent investigation, it was discovered Salgado's blood alcohol concentration level was in excess of .08 at the time of the crash.

A judge entertained a petition to detain filed by the Cook County State's Attorney before issuing several conditions, including electronic monitoring and home confinement (medical appointment exception), for Salgado's release. He is due back in court on Jan. 26, 2024.

RELATED: Bob Gillen, Dedicated Wauconda H.S. Teacher, Remembered By Those Who Loved Him