Man Killed After Jeep Crashes Into Home; Driver Charged With DUI: Cops

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A 22-year-old Round Lake Beach man was killed after a Jeep crashed into a house near Lake Villa on Christmas Eve.

The collision happened at about 7:30 p.m. in the 21300 block of West Engle Drive in unincorporated Lake Villa, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Authorities determined a Jeep, driven by Marcos Corona-Vargas, 31, was headed east on West Engle Drive when it crossed into the westbound lane of traffic, back onto the eastbound lanes of traffic and then off the road.

The Jeep continued into a yard and slammed into a home, which was unoccupied at the time, police said.

A 22-year-old Round Lake Beach man sitting in the front seat of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release. Another passenger, who was sitting in the back seat of the Jeep, was seriously injured and taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Corona-Vargas also sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, police said.

Police say Corona-Vargas was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, and charges of reckless homicide and DUI have been filed against him. Once he is released from the hospital, he will be taken to the Lake County Jail.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.