Man Accused Of DUI Hits Deputy Head-On, Tries To Run

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A Lake County Sheriff's office SUV being driven by deputy Friday morning was hit head-on by a car on Grass Lake Road in unincorporated Antioch. According to a news release from the sheriff's office, the deputy was driving eastbound on Grass Lake Road, west of Stonegate Drive at 1:05 a.m., when a 2002 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Carlos R. Perez Cordero, 24, of the 38300 block of North 3rd Avenue, in unincorporated Spring Grove, was traveling west on Grass Lake Road, when the car crossed the center median and hit the deputy's SUV head-on.

Cordero got out of his damaged car and tried to run from the crash site, but the deputy freed himself from his damaged SUV, and caught him, according to the news release.

Cordero was arrested and accused of driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, the sheriff's office said.

The deputy and Cordero were taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with non-life-threatening injuries, where they were treated and released, according to the news release.

Cordero was taken to the Lake County Jail and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office approved the following against Cordero:

• Felony aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol (two counts)
• Misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol
• Operating a vehicle without insurance (infraction)
• Improper lane usage (infraction)

According to the sheriff's office, additional charges are likely.

“We are extremely thankful the sheriff’s deputy was not killed or seriously injured in this senseless crash," Sheriff John Idleburg said, in the news release. "I am very impressed that after being involved in a major crash, the deputy was able to pursue the fleeing offender on foot. The drunk driver will be held accountable for his poor decisions, which could have ultimately cost lives.”

Perez Cordero is scheduled to appear at an initial court hearing Friday.