Bolingbrook man charged in fatal Wheaton DUI

A Bolingbrook man accused of driving drunk in Wheaton and causing an accident that killed one passenger and injured another is being held on $500,000 bond in DuPage County jail.

Luis Jimenez, 22, of 508 Racine Lane, is charged with aggravated DUI involving death, which is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Prosecutors said Jimenez had a blood alcohol content of .09 at 2 a.m. Saturday when he left a friend's house in Wheaton to go for a joy ride after a night of drinking.

Prosecutors said Jiminez was speeding at the curve on Sheffield Street in Wheaton when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree.

The front passenger died on the scene as a result of the impact and the rear seat passenger was severely injured. Jimenez and the surviving passenger were taken to a hospital and treated for their injuries.

Jimenez was released from the hospital Monday afternoon and was immediately taken into custody.

“People have to learn that if you have been drinking, do not get behind the wheel of a car,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a written statement. “Fatal alcohol-related crashes, such as is alleged in this case, are 100 percent avoidable.”

Jimenez's next court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 2 in front of Judge Robert Kleeman.