6th DUI For Man Who Crashes, Loses Tire, Continues To Drive Away: Prosecutors

CARY, IL — A Cary man charged with multiple felony drunken driving offenses will remain in custody after a McHenry County judge granted the state’s request to deny him pretrial release.

George Gnewuch, 64, made an initial appearance court on Thursday on charges of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol with five or more prior violations, which is a Class X felony; ggravated DUI while his license was revoked, a Class 4 felony; driving while revoked with prior violations; and leaving the scene of an accident, according to a news release from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

According to evidence presented in court, the charges stem from a Dec. 1, 2025 crash on Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake. During that collision, Gnewuch is accused of crossing the centerline of Northwest Highway while headed east at about 6:40 p.m. and colliding with a westbound vehicle, which then went off the roadway.

Despite losing a wheel in the crash, prosecutors said Gnewuch continued driving and left the scene, returning to his home, according to a news release.

Deputies with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office later identified the truck’s registration and responded to Gnewuch’s residence, where they found the damaged vehicle in the driveway. Officers reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol when they made contact with Gnewuch, and he was taken into custody following further investigation.

After his arrest, Gnewuch’s blood-alcohol concentration was measured at .168, which is more than twice the legal limit of .08, according to the state.

Prosecutors also presented evidence that Gnewuch has prior DUI convictions dating back to 1984, 1985, 1991, 2003 and 2004, and that his driver’s license had been revoked as a result. The state further noted that Gnewuch was previously convicted twice of attempted murder, in 1985 and 1992.

In a statement, Freese said the court’s decision was necessary to protect the community.

“It’s clear that this is a man who has not learned from his previous convictions,” Freese said. “He continues to commit crimes and continues to put lives in our community at risk. We are happy that Judge LoPiccolo has kept this man off our streets.”

Gnewuch’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 6.