DUI Crash That Killed Bicyclist Results In 10-Year Sentence For Driver

WOODRIDGE, IL — A Woodridge man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty, but mentally ill, to aggravated DUI resulting in the death of another person in connection with the 2023 crash that killed Michael Norton, 64, of Naperville.

Prosecutors say Salil Chander, 35, was driving in the 4100 block of Nelson Court when he hit a light pole. Chandler then turned west onto Green Trails Drive and crossed into the opposing traffic lane, where he hit Norton, who was biking east.

Chandler fled the scene, but was arrested nearby within minutes following an emergency call from an eyewitness. It was reported that Chandler had a blood alcohol content of 0.222 when he hit Norton.

“With a BAC of nearly three times the legal limit, Mr. Chander had no business behind the wheel of a car,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release.

Berlin added, “The sad truth is, like all drunk driving fatalities, the tragic death of an innocent person was completely avoidable had Mr. Chander simply not operated a vehicle after he had been drinking. People have to remember, driving is a privilege, not a right, and violating that privilege can lead to heartbreaking consequences, as we saw in this case."

Chandler must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.