Judge 'Happily' Denies Bail For Accused Repeat DUI Offender

OAK LAWN, IL -- A Chicago man who continued driving after hitting another vehicle was arrested for his fifth DUI offense, prosecutors said. Alexander Hernandez, 47, appeared before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on felony charges of aggravated DUI and driving on a suspended or revoked license. Hernandez is currently on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections for similar offenses, according to state records.

Hernandez was pursued by Oak Lawn police after he allegedly fled an accident scene on March 11. Police spotted a car that matched the description of the vehicle involved in the accident. Officers observed the driver, later identified as Hernandez, cross lane lines, the prosecutor said.

When police pulled over Hernandez’s vehicle, officers said he stumbled getting out of the car and could not produce a driver’s license or proof of insurance.

Officers said that when Hernandez got out of his car, his appeared glassy and bloodshot, and his breath smelled of alcohol. Hernandez refused BAC and field sobriety tests, the prosecutor said. It was later determined that Hernandez’s driver’s license had been revoked. Hernandez is also alleged to have given police a fictitious date of birth.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Hernandez is self-employed as a stock broker.

Hernandez has another pending felony case. He is currently on parole from the Sheridan Correctional Center where he had been serving concurrent three-year sentences stemming from a 2015 conviction for aggravated DUI with a suspended or revoked license, and a fourth DUI with a suspended or revoked license.

“I will happily deny you bond,” Mahoney said.

Hernandez is due back in court March 26 in Bridgeview.