Chicago Man Charged in SW Side DUI Crash that Killed 4 Passengers

Gustavo Pichardo, 20, of Chicago was charged with four felony counts of aggravated DUI resulting in death on Monday after a fatal crash that killed four passengers. According to court recrords, at approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday, Pirchardo disobeyed a red light at an intersection on the Southwest Side. A semi-trailer truck passed through the intersection and Pichardo allegedly honked his horn at the driver before wrapping his vehicle around a traffic light pole on the other side of the intersection at Kedzie and 31st Street. All six occupants of the vehicle were ejected and Pichardo’s SUV caught fire. Only Pichardo and one 23 year-old male passenger, listed in critical condition, survived the crash. Three woman and a man died in the crash.

According to prosecutors, blood tests revealed the presence of cannabis in Pichardo’s system. Prosecutors also say that Pichardo admitted he was the driver. There is still questions as to whether the truck and SUV came into contact or if Pichardo has swerved to avoid a collision. Aside from the felony counts, he is also charged with disobeying a red light, transportation of alcohol, and failure to reduce speed.

Driver charged with felony DUI in crash that killed 4, www. chicagotribune.com, May 21, 2012