An alleged drunk driver was arrested after crashing into anhydrous ammonia tanks along Route 173 near Harvard and fleeing the scene, authorities said.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and Harvard Fire Protection District responded around 2:15 a.m. Saturday to the area of Route 173 and White Oaks Road in unincorporated Harvard for a vehicle crash.
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Porfirio Campos-Cruz said a white 2014 Buick Encore crashed into anhydrous ammonia tanks at 24722 Route 173.
A 911 caller reported he witnessed the crash and that the vehicle struck two tanks in the field.
The 911 caller also reported the Buick was fleeing the scene.
The fire department assessed the situation and found a very small leak in one of the tanks.
Sheriff’s deputies responding spotted the Buick leaving the grassy area and starting to drive on the roadway near Route 173 and White Oaks Road, Campos-Cruz said.
Campos-Cruz said a traffic stop was attempted on the Buick, which was emitting heavy white smoke as it drove.
The Buick did not immediately stop but eventually pulled over near Route 173 and Beck Road.
The driver, Humberto Martinez, was arrested after failing standardized field sobriety tests, Campos-Cruz said.
The driver was not transported to the McHenry County Jail and instead released from the scene. The Buick was towed.
Martinez was charged with failure to report a crash, disobeying control devices for designated lanes and driving under the influence of alcohol.