Driver Hit 122 MPH, Was Intoxicated In Fatal Lisle Crash: Cops

LISLE, IL — Prosecutors say a Naperville man was speeding at around 122 mph and had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .147 when he hit a car in Lisle during a crash that killed three people in late October. The Oct. 30 crash claimed the lives of Andrew Purtill, 46, of Aurora, and Graciela Leanos, 21, and Geovanny Alvarez, 22, both of Naperville.

Brendan Wydajewski, 22, was charged with three counts of aggravated DUI causing death, transportation or possession of open alcohol by a driver and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the crash.

Just after 1:15 a.m. on Oct. 30, Lisle police were called to the intersection of Warrenville Road and Corporate West Drive to respond to a two-car crash. Police say the crash split Purtill's car in half. He was found in the car and pronounced dead at the scene.

Leanos and Alvarez were passengers in the second car, which had been driven by Wydajewski, according to prosecutors. Alvarez was pronounced dead at the scene and Leanos was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police say Wydajewski was found seriously injured on the ground outside the second car. He was taken to a local hospital and released Nov. 28 after treatment.

During an investigation, prosecutors say police found two handguns in the car Wydajewski had been driving. Wydajewski is further accused of speeding at 122 mph before the crash and having a BAC of .147 once he got to the hospital.

“Like all alleged DUI cases, the case against Mr. Wydajewski was 100 percent avoidable,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release.

Berlin added,“As I have said countless times in the past, if you have been drinking, do not drive. This is particularly relevant now, as we begin the holiday season. It is a very simple idea but unfortunately, in far too many instances, people feel they are able to drive when they are not, and tragedy follows as alleged in this case. Don’t allow yourself to become a statistic. Do yourself a favor and call a cab or use a ride-sharing service if you have been drinking."

Lisle Police Chief Ron Wilke said, "Reckless and dangerous driving have taken far too many lives in DuPage County and continue to put law-abiding citizens at risk. Law enforcement remains steadfast in seeking justice for those impacted by these reckless acts and urges people to consider these traumatic impacts prior to driving while intoxicated and at excessive speeds."

Wydajewski is currently being held in DuPage County Jail on $500,000 bond. He is set to appear in court on Jan. 11.

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