A Crystal Lake woman is facing multiple charges after her car went airborne and hit a tree and a light pole before crashing into a half-dozen cars in the parking lot of a restaurant in Woodstock.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and Woodstock Police Department responded around 12:34 p.m. on April 18 to the intersection of Route 14 and West Lake Shore Drive for a vehicle crash with possible injuries.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said there were multiple 911 calls reporting a rollover crash with possible entrapment.
Emergency crews arrived and located the crash in the parking lot of Culver’s, 1620 West Lake Shore Drive.
Vucha said a vehicle appeared to have left Route 14 where it became airborne.
The car struck a tree and a light pole before entering the parking lot of Culver’s, coming to rest after damaging approximately six parked vehicles.
The driver was identified as Jennifer R. Betlinski, 48, of Crystal Lake. She was operating a 2007 Hyundai Azera.
Betlinski did not require extrication and exited the vehicle prior to the arrival of emergency personnel, Vucha said.
Paramedics evaluated Betlinski at the scene and she denied any injuries. No one else was injured in the crash.
Vucha said firefighters remained on the scene assisting with securing the area, coordinating the removal of the damaged vehicles and removing damaged trees that were obstructing access for tow trucks.
“When crews arrived, there was a lot going on and the scene was chaotic. We got lucky out here,” Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Battalion Chief Scott Nieman said.
“Vehicles can be repaired, but it could have been a much different outcome if anyone had been in the path of that vehicle,” Nieman said.
Betlinski has since been issued multiple citations for improper traffic lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, improper transportation or carrying alcohol by a driver and driving with defective brakes.
Betlinski was released at the scene and has been given a required court date of June 5 for a plea hearing.
Court records show Betlinski was arrested on Saturday by the Crystal Lake Police Department and charged in a new case with possession of a controlled substance, domestic battery, resisting a peace officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Betlinski was released from the McHenry County Jail following an Initial Appearance Court hearing on Monday and is set to appear in court in that case on May 26.