Investigators have charged an alleged intoxicated driver who was speeding and struck a tree and a pole, leaving his 19-year-old passenger critically injured, in Long Grove.
Daniel Diaz, 23, of Rolling Meadows, was recently charged with multiple counts of aggravated driving under the influence.
The charges stem from a crash that occurred around 11 p.m. on October 29, 2023, on Schaffer Road north of Lake Cook Road in Long Grove.
An investigation showed an Acura ILX was traveling northbound on Schaeffer Road, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
Diaz drove off of the roadway to the east and the Acura struck a tree and a utility pole, Covelli said.
A then-19-year-old Palatine man, who was a rear-seat passenger, suffered critical injuries, including a skull fracture.
He was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville for treatment.
Diaz was transported to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights with non-life-threatening injuries.
Two other passengers, both 20-year-old men, were uninjured. No other vehicles were involved.
Covelli said Diaz being under the influence and excessive speed appeared to be factors in the crash.
The crash was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team.
Sheriff’s crash investigators recently concluded their investigation and screened the case with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Covelli said Friday.
The state’s attorney’s office approved the multiple felony charges against Diaz, who was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, Covelli said.
An arrest warrant was drafted and signed by a Lake County judge. Diaz is not in custody and remains wanted.