DuPage County State's Attorney, Joseph E. Birkett, announced today that Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident were filed against Sandra J. Yusczak-Bunge (d.o.b. 02/02/53) of Bellwood, Illinois in connection with an accident that occurred early yesterday in a construction area on eastbound I-88 near Naperville Road. Roberto Chavez, a construction worker on the scene, was seriously injured by Ms. Yusczak-Bunge’s vehicle and remains in the hospital in critical condition.
The charges allege that in the early hours of June 25, 2006, the defendant was driving under the influence of alcohol when she drove through an area closed to through traffic in a construction zone on I-88, struck Mr. Chavez, and then allegedly left the scene. She was later stopped by the Illinois State Police some distance from the accident. She was apprehended with the assistance of a civilian witness who advised the State Police of her driving locations.
The defendant has been charged with one count of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol resulting in great bodily harm to another, a Class 2 felony. She was also charged with Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident, a Class 4 felony. The possible penalties for the Aggravated DUI charge is one (1) to twelve (12) years in the Department of Corrections.
The defendant appeared in bond court this morning where bond on the charges were set at $1,000,000 (10% to apply).
“Construction workers on our highways deserve to be kept safe from injury, particularly from the drunk driver,” stated State’s Attorney Birkett. “It is a tragedy that this worker was so seriously injured by this indiscriminate driver. With the summer construction season shifting into high gear I would like to once again remind all drivers of our special responsibilities to those workers who keep our highways in good shape.”
Birkett also stated: “I will also repeat my message to the public that you can’t drink and drive. The deadly combination of alcohol and driving must be stopped.”
State’s Attorney Birkett thanked the Illinois State Police for their thorough and professional investigation of this case. He also requests the Press to respect the privacy of the victim and his family during this difficult time.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
