LITH Man Sentenced In Fatal Algonquin Bypass Crash

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – A 42-year-old Lake in the Hills man has been sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a 2016 DUI crash that killed 35-year-old Alex J. Misurelli of Crystal Lake. Hector Chavera pleaded guilty to an aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol charge Monday, according to online court records. The multiple-vehicle crash that claimed Misurelli's life occurred at about 5:39 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2o16 on the Route 31 Algonquin Bypass north of Route 62 in Algonquin.

Three motorcyclists, including Chavera and another man charged in connection with the crash, Erik A. Escutia, were heading north on Route 31 when they hit a raised median and went into the southbound lanes.

Misurelli was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle and was struck by a Honda Accord. 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 median. 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.

On Monday, a McHenry County judge dismissed several DUI charges against Chavera in exchange for a guilty plea for a aggravated DUI/license suspended or revoked. The judge also ordered Chavera pay over $2,000 in costs.

Escutia has been sentenced to one year of court supervision.

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