Man drank up to 11 shots at a Wrigleyville bar before crashing into an Uber driver at 76 mph, prosecutors say
21-Year-Old Faces Felony Charges After Chain-Reaction Crash
A 21-year-old man is facing felony charges after allegedly consuming up to 11 shots of tequila at a Wrigleyville bar before causing a chain-reaction crash that seriously injured four people, including a childhood friend who suffered extensive injuries.
James Bradley has been charged with two counts of aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm and two counts of aggravated reckless driving causing bodily harm in connection with the March 1 crash near Western Avenue and Addison Street.
Prosecutors revealed that Bradley had attended a bachelor party at a Wrigleyville bar where he consumed multiple shots of tequila before offering to drive home a woman he had known since grammar school and another male friend. Surveillance cameras captured Bradley’s Honda running multiple red lights before crashing into an Uber driver’s SUV at 76 mph, causing a chain-reaction collision.
Data retrieved from Bradley’s vehicle indicated he was traveling at 76 mph in a 30 mph zone with no evidence of braking at the time of impact. The collision resulted in severe injuries to the Uber driver, Bradley’s childhood friend, and the other passengers involved in the crash.
Bradley’s blood-alcohol concentration was found to be .143, well above the legal limit, at the time of the crash. His childhood friend suffered a lacerated liver, fractures, and cranial trauma, requiring ongoing treatment. The other passengers also sustained serious injuries, including broken bones and internal injuries.
Despite Bradley’s clean criminal record, his history of speeding violations raised concerns among prosecutors and the presiding judge. Initially detained, Bradley was later released to await trial under certain conditions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating consequences that can result from reckless behavior behind the wheel.
This story is based on an official transcript of the court proceeding.
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