Highland Park Man Suspected Of Drunk Driving In Deadly Crash

WAUKEGAN, IL — A Highland Park man in his 20s was taken into custody Thursday night after a car he was driving crashed into a tree in Waukegan, police said. He suffered moderate injuries from the crash, but his passenger, a North Chicago man in his 20s, was taken to an area hospital and later pronounced dead.

Officers arrived at the scene of a one-car crash in the area of North Bonnie Brook Lane and North Lewis Avenue around 10:45 p.m. on the night of the July Fourth holiday, according to Waukegan police.

Investigators believe a black 2008 Ford Fusion was speeding east on North Bonnie Brook Lane when the driver lost control and struck a tree. Alcohol and speeding are both thought to have contributed to the crash, according to police.

The driver was released from an area hospital into police custody while prosecutors from the Lake County State's Attorney's Office review whether to pursue felony charges, according to police. His name has not been released pending charges.

The Lake County Coroner's Office is conducting an autopsy of the passenger Friday, according to police. His identity will be released after his family is notified.

Police said both the driver and the passenger were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

UPDATE: Reckless Homicide, DUI Charges For Highland Park Man Who Hit Tree