Tragedy Strikes Midlothian Family in Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a fatal drunk driving crash in Oak Lawn has left a suburban Midlothian father dead and his young daughter fighting for her life. The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, shaking the local community to its core.
Details Unveiled in Court Documents
The alleged driver responsible for the devastating collision has been identified as Peter Swenson, a 19-year-old facing charges of reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence. According to court documents from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Swenson was traveling at a staggering 93 miles per hour just seconds before the fatal impact.
At approximately 3:08 a.m., Swenson failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of Cicero Avenue and Southwest Highway, crashing into a car driven by Eglin Manuel Castro Alvarez, a 27-year-old father from Midlothian. Alvarez had just picked up his 7-year-old daughter from a babysitter after finishing work, setting the stage for the tragic events that followed.
Devastating Consequences and Heart-Wrenching Aftermath
The collision proved fatal for Alvarez, who was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center but tragically pronounced dead later that morning. His young daughter, who suffered severe injuries to her spine, ribs, and lungs, was airlifted to Comer Children’s Hospital for urgent medical care.
Video footage of the crash, captured by a witness’ dash camera, paints a grim picture of the chaotic scene. Swenson’s SUV careened out of control, ultimately coming to a halt on top of another vehicle in a nearby parking lot. The impact of the crash propelled Alvarez’s car roughly 100 feet before it finally came to rest near the end of a strip mall.
Reckless Behavior and Tragic Consequences
As authorities arrived at the scene, Swenson exhibited telltale signs of impairment, with “glassy and bloodshot eyes” and the unmistakable scent of alcohol on his breath. During questioning, the 19-year-old confessed to joyriding and consuming multiple espresso martinis in the hours leading up to the collision, as revealed by prosecutors.
Further investigation uncovered damning evidence from the black box inside Swenson’s vehicle, confirming that he was speeding at a shocking 93.3 miles per hour mere seconds before the fatal crash. Additionally, Swenson’s blood alcohol content was found to be a staggering .153, nearly twice the legal limit, underscoring the severity of his reckless actions and the devastating consequences that ensued.
