A driver has been charged with DUI after claiming he fell asleep when he caused a head-on crash that heavily damaged the vehicles and shut down Route 31 in Prairie Grove.
The Nunda Rural Fire Protection District and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded around 12:44 a.m. Sunday to the area of Route 31 and Gracy Road for a report of a head-on vehicle crash.
Firefighters arrived within minutes and located a two-vehicle crash with heavy front-end damage, according to Nunda Rural Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha.
The crash occurred just south of the intersection on Route 31. Both vehicles were only occupied by the drivers.
The two drivers were already out of their vehicles and walking when emergency crews arrived, Vucha said.
The adult male driver of the small SUV declined medical treatment at the scene.
The driver of the sedan was evaluated but refused additional medical attention.
“Given the extent of damage, it was a fortunate outcome that no serious injuries occurred,” Vucha said.
The sheriff’s office said Route 31 was shut down from Edgewood Road to Gracy Road in both directions.
Vucha said Route 31 was closed for over an hour while emergency personnel worked to clear the scene and ensure the roadway was safe to reopen.
The driver of the black 2014 Chrysler sedan, identified as Noah R. Lucia, 21, of McHenry, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence, failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
Court records said Lucia was driving under the influence of alcohol and he told deputies he had fallen asleep before the crash occurred.
Lucia was arrested and transported to the McHenry County Jail. He was released with a future court date of July 1.