Car Crashes Into Manhattan Bar, Driver Cited For DUI: PD

MANHATTAN, IL — A Lockport woman was cited for DUI after crashing into the storefront of a downtown Manhattan bar in the early morning hours Tuesday.

The crash happened just before 1:30 a.m. at Midtown Bar and Grill, said Manhattan Police Chief Jeff Wold. Police were called to the bar for a report of a single vehicle crash. Officers found a silver Volkswagen Jetta southbound on US 52 had crashed into the building, causing significant structural damage.

The driver, Tatiana Esparza, 31, has been cited for driving under the influence, and issued other citations, according to police. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle, police said.

Esparza suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Silver Cross Hospital, said Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Steve Malone.

Crews are working to stabilize the building Tuesday morning.

Midtown Bar and Grill owner Kevin Schuster said the bar was closed at the time and no one inside. He hopes to make necessary repairs and reopen as quickly as possible.

Esparza is due in Will County Court on Dec. 15.