Vernon Hills teacher aide charged with DUI in death of Chicago pedestrian

A 29-year-old former teacher assistant at a Vernon Hills-area school has been charged in an alcohol-related crash that killed a pedestrian on Christmas Eve in Chicago, authorities said.

Christine Ahn, of the 2800 block of Sweet Clover Way in Wauconda, turned herself into police May 1 after being charged with aggravated driving under the influence that resulted in death, Chicago Police spokeswoman Ofc. Laura Kubiak said.

Ahn has resigned her position at Hawthorn Elementary District 73 in Vernon Hills, officials said, where she has worked since 2008.

"The district is limited in its ability to comment on confidential employee matters," District 73 Assistant Superintendent Eileen Conway said in an email. "However, we can say that we are looking into the allegations and in the meantime, the employee has resigned from the district. We can also say that the district will continue to provide a healthy and safe learning environment for its students."

Kubiak said Ahn was driving north on Western Avenue in Chicago in her 2004 Honda Accord about 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 24 when she hit Enrique Lituma, 30, of Chicago.

Lituma was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later, authorities said.

Ahn submitted to a blood test at the time of the accident, authorities said. Those results were returned to police in February, which, following further investigation, resulted in the charges this week.

Andy Conklin, spokesman for the Cook County States Attorney's Office, said Ahn could spend up to 14 years in prison of found guilty of aggravated DUI.

Conklin said bond was set at $25,000 in court Wednesday, and Ahn is due back in court on May 22.