ERRATIC DRIVING LEADS TO TRAGIC WEST SUBURBAN CRASH
WEST CHICAGO–News was released today pertaining to a crash that occurred in August that injured a pregnant woman. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Glen Ellyn Chief of Police Philip Norton announced today that bond has been set for a West Chicago man accused of causing an accident while intoxicated that seriously injured a pregnant woman. Steven Gayden, 28 (d.o.b. 12/29/1994) of the 29W400 block of Hawthorn Lane, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Daniel Guerin set bond at $300,000 with 10% to apply. Gayden is charged with one count of Aggravated DUI – Great Bodily Harm, a Class 4 Felony.
On August 23, 2023, at approximately 11:14 a.m., officers with the Glen Ellyn Police Department responded to a vehicle crash with injuries at Roosevelt Road and Parkside Avenue. Upon their arrival, officers found Gayden standing outside his car, a Chevy Cruze which was on fire, and the victim, a woman who is four months pregnant, still in her car, a Mazda. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital where she received treatment for a fractured ankle, pelvis and sternum. Gayden was transported to a local hospital as well for medical attention.
Following an investigation into the crash, it is alleged that Gayden was driving erratically in and out of traffic and at one point used the center turn lane to pass other vehicles. It is further alleged that Gayden crashed into the victim’s vehicle as she was turning out of a grocery store parking lot. It is alleged that at the time of the crash Gayden was under the influence of alcohol. On September 14, 2023, Judge George Ford issued a $150,000 with 10% to apply arrest warrant for Gayden. He was arrested the same day at the DuPage County Jail where he was in custody on an unrelated matter.
“While allegedly under the influence of alcohol, Mr. Gayden had no business operating a motor vehicle,” Berlin said. “Driving is a privilege, not a right, and it is alleged that Mr. Gayden not only abused that right by getting behind the wheel after he had been drinking, but in doing so, seriously injured a pregnant woman and put many other innocent motorists at risk. I urge everyone, if you have been drinking, call a friend for a ride or use a ride-sharing service. Do not make the mistake of believing you are alright to drive. You will be glad you did when you arrive safe at home and not in jail or worse. I thank the Glen Ellyn Police Department for their efforts in this case as well as the DuPage MERIT Major Crash Reconstruction Team for their work. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Daniel Orescanin and Micheal Pingaj for their work in securing charges against Mr. Gayden."
“The Glen Ellyn Police Department takes impaired driving very seriously,” Norton said. “We are grateful for the cooperation and support of State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team in bringing these charges against the defendant who injured an innocent motorist.”
Gayden’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 22, 2023, for a status hearing in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of a defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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