Western Springs Man Confused About Crash: Cops

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – A Western Springs man accused of being involved in a DUI crash appeared to be confused when told about the collision, local police said.

Arthur R. Velasquez, 58, who lives in the 4700 block of Fair Elms Avenue, got into a crash about 7 p.m. Saturday at 47th Street and Central Avenue, according to a police report obtained through a public records request.

The driver of a red truck, later identified as Valasquez, drove away. An officer tried to catch up to him as he traveled west on 47th, made a U-turn at 47th and Commonwealth Avenue, and then went east on 47th, police said.

When Velasquez turned onto Fair Elms, the officer activated his emergency lights. Velasquez turned into his driveway and then tried to go into his house, police said.

The officer ordered Velasquez to remain outside and explained that he was involved in a crash. Velasquez appeared confused, saying his truck was not damaged, according to the report.

However, the officer saw damage to the back right rim and body of the truck.

The officer reported that he smelled a strong odor of alcohol from Velasquez's breath. Velasquez's speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet, police said.

The officer asked for Velasquez's driver's license several times before he understood the request, the report said. The officer said Velasquez was unable to provide a valid insurance card.

The officer asked Velasquez how much he had to drink. But the police blacked out Velasquez's response in the report. This is information that police departments routinely divulge.

Velasquez asked whether he needed a lawyer present. He was told he could call his lawyer at any time.

Velasquez, who refused to take a breath test, was charged with DUI, leaving the scene of a crash, failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving an uninsured vehicle, police said.

He was released on bond.