Darien Woman Charged In Crash That Critically Injured Driver

DARIEN, IL -- A Darien woman was arrested on a DUI for her role in an expressway crash that left another driver with traumatic injuries, prosecutors said. Vera Kochura, 32, appeared Thursday before Cook County Judge Peter Felice is charged with aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm. The driver remains in critical condition.

Illinois State Police saw a 2018 Porsche speeding down I-55 around 3:43 a.m. April 29. The driver, later identified as Kochura, became involved in a three-car crash. The injured driver was taken to Loyola Medical Center in critical condition with a traumatic brain and spleen injuries. The prosecutor said the injured driver is still in critical condition. State troopers reported a possible odor of alcohol on Kochura’s breath.

Kochura reportedly gave .143, .056, .022 and .03 BAC readings. According to Kochura’s attorney, she turned herself into Illinois State Police on May 23.. She has no criminal record. The current charge is a misdemeanor. Bail was set at $25,000. Kochura is due back in court June 14 in Bridgeview.

“The picture will change dramatically if the victim dies, not saying you’re guilty,” Felice said.