Man Narrowly Escaped Oncoming Train After Vehicle Stuck On Tracks

DES PLAINES, IL — A man who tried to drive his car across train tracks while the gate was down is in custody after narrowly escaping an oncoming train, Des Plaines police said.

Grofo Sarov, 30, was arrested near the scene of the crash on Touhy Avenue early Tuesday morning. Police said Sarov, of Glenview, got his vehicle stuck under the gates that prevent drivers from crossing. He was able to get out of his car before it was hit by a freight train at around 4 a.m.

Sarov was taken to a nearby hospital for alcohol intoxication, a police spokesperson said.

Des Plaines police said they found the keys to the struck Toyota Highlander on Sarov. Eastbound lanes of Touhy Avenue were closed for almost four hours while crews worked to repair the crossing gates that were damaged from Sarov's car and the train.