A Chicago motorist crashed into an Illinois State Police squad car last weekend, killing a 42-year-old man who was in it warming up after his own SUV was involved in an accident. The police vehicle was parked on Interstate 290 east of Mill Road in Addison, Illinois.

The fatal car accident also injured an Illinois state trooper, whose injuries were not critical. The trooper was sitting in the police vehicle at the time of the collision. The deceased man was a resident of Brookfield, Illinois.

Officers believe that the motorist who caused the crash was intoxicated at the time, though it is not reported why that would be. Likely, the fact that he crashed into a parked car led officers to believe he had been drinking. However, results from any field sobriety test or breath test were not made available.

The Chicago motorist, age 32, faces criminal charges for the incident including aggravated DUI involving death, and an additional count of aggravated DUI involving great bodily injury. Bond was set at $1 million on February 12, reflecting the seriousness of the incident.

Even arrest and license suspension does not deter some intoxicated motorists from continuing to contribute to the carnage on the highways, since an estimated 50 to 75 percent of all motorists convicted for DUI allegedly keep driving with suspended licenses.

Because of the recklessness that was exhibited in this incident, the bond was set very high. This may be intended to send a message to others who drive drunk. Punishments are serious, especially when a driver hurts or kills an innocent person.

Source: Daily Herald, "Bond set at $1 million in fatal I-290 crash," Matt Arado, Feb. 12, 2012