Crime & Safety
Driver Charged With DUI After Park Forest Crash That Killed 1
According to police, the 23-year-old driver was under the influence of alcohol during the crash where 1 woman remains in critical condition.
PARK FOREST, IL — One man has been charged in a fatal car crash early Sunday morning which killed one and seriously injured another, police announced.
Police said James A. Watkins, a 23-year-old from Midlothian, was driving under the influence of alcohol at around 1 a.m. in the 400 block of Wildwood Drive when the car crashed, killing 22-year-old Vincent Adami. A 23-year-old Matteson woman was also injured in the crash and had to be airlifted to a Chicago hospital.
As of Tuesday night, police said the woman remains in critical condition.
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Watkins is facing one felony count of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol. Police told Patch additional charges could be filed as the Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team continues its investigation.
"This is a tragic incident that has impacted many in Park Forest, Chicago's south suburbs, and beyond," police said in a social media statement. "We extend our thoughts to all of those affected, but especially to the families and friends of the victims, and we continue to hope for the recovery of the second passenger who still remains in critical condition."
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Watkins appeared in court Monday where he was issued a $5,000 bond which he will need to pay in order to be released pending trial.
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