Driver Held On $750,000 Bond In Death Of Downers Grove Student

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Note: A previous version of this article included a misprint about Kucharski's BAC. The editor apologizes for this error.

A man accused of fatally striking Downers Grove North student Beth Dunlap as she crossed the street outside of her school had a blood alcohol content of .031 at the time of the crash, authorities said Tuesday. Charges for Joseph Kucharski, 51, of Naperville, were upgraded to reckless homicide in addition to aggravated DUI in connection with the Feb. 19 crash that left 17-year-old Dunlap with injuries that led to her death on Feb. 22.

Kucharski is charged with swerving into the intersection at Main and Grant while the traffic light was red and Dunlap was in the crosswalk with a "walk signal," police say. According to police, Kucharski's BAC was .031 after Dunlap was hit and he "exhibited signs of impairment."

Police say a subsequent search of Kucharski's hotel room led them to find two crack pipes, crack-cocaine, and other drugs.

In a statement, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin extended his condolences to Dunlap's family and fellow students.

"They have suffered a devastating loss that no amount of time can heal. Their unimaginable heartbreak is shared by the staff and students at Downers Grove North High School as well as the entire community," Berlin said.

Kucharski is being held in DuPage County Jail on $750,000 bond.