Police say an intoxicated driver is “unbelievably fortunate” to be alive after a high-speed crash left him seriously injured and his car wrapped around a tree near Round Lake.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District responded around 1:20 a.m. Thursday to the area of Route 134 and Harrison Avenue in unincorporated Round Lake.
Sheriff’s deputies received a call for a vehicle crash with injuries east of the intersection.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said deputies located a 2015 Infiniti Q50 into a tree with heavy damage.
There was significant intrusion from the tree due to the Infiniti striking the tree at a high rate of speed.
The driver of the Infiniti was identified as Jesus M. Lopez-Ortiz, 25, of the 300 block of Quaker Hollow Lane in Round Lake Beach.
A preliminary investigation shows Lopez-Ortiz was traveling westbound on Route 134 at a high rate of speed, Covelli said.
Lopez-Ortiz lost control of his vehicle and possibly hydroplaned on the wet pavement.
He then drove off the roadway and struck a tree at a high rate of speed.
Deputies arrived and determined Lopez-Ortiz was driving under the influence of alcohol, Covelli said.
Lopez-Ortiz was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with serious injuries.
He was issued a notice to appear citation at the hospital for driving under the influence.
“It is unbelievably fortunate Lopez Ortiz didn’t kill an innocent driver or himself based on the speed it appears he was traveling and his recklessness,” Covelli said.
Lopez-Ortiz is scheduled to appear in court on January 25.