Man Sentenced In Deadly DUI Crash Near Burr Ridge: County

BURR RIDGE, IL —A Chicago man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for causing a fatal 2015 crash near Burr Ridge. Fawzi Ottmon, 46, entered a blind plea of guilty to one count of aggravated DUI-alcohol causing death, which is a class 2 felony. Motorcyclist Daniel Dacanay was killed in the 2015 crash, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. Ottman has remained in custody since April 2015 at DuPage County Jail.

According to the State's Attorney's Office, Illinois State Police responded to a call on April 17, 2015 about a collision on I-55 involving a motorcycle and two vehicles. Upon their arrival, troopers found Dacanay unconscious at the scene. He had been removed from underneath a vehicle by concerned witnesses prior to police arrival. Both men were transported to a local hospital where Dacanay was pronounced dead.

The State's Attorney's Office said an investigation revealed that just prior to the crash, Ottman, who was driving erratically southbound on I-55, swerved his vehicle partially onto the shoulder of the road and struck Dacanay. Ottman then pushed Dacanay into the rear end of the vehicle in front of him. The investigation also revealed that after striking Dacanay, Ottman continued to drive nearly 200 feet, dragging Dacanay for at least a period of this time, before coming to a stop.

According to the State's Attorney's Office, toxicology reports conducted on Ottman showed he had illegal drugs and cannabis in his system at the time of the crash.

“With illegal opiates, numerous benzodiazepines and cannabis in his system, Mr. Ottman had no business being behind the wheel that afternoon,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a release. “His actions were beyond reckless and cost an innocent man his life. Today’s sentence sends the message that if you cause the death of another while driving under the influence of any type of intoxicating substance you will face a significant amount of time behind bars. My sincerest condolences go out to Daniel’s family and friends as they continue through life without the friendship and companionship that Daniel provided."

Ottman will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Photo provided by DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.