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Report error let driver in Illinois fatal crash keep license

Posted July 12, 2017 7:00 am

The Associated Press

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) - Authorities say police report errors lead to a judge rescinding the driver's license suspension for a southern Illinois man now charged in a double-fatal accident.

Kevin Helfrich of New Athens was charged Tuesday in the Saturday accident that killed 37-year-old John Bannister and 36-year-old Daryl Harton, both of Belleville. Investigators say Helfrich was driving the wrong direction when his truck crashed into their sedan.

Court records show Helfrich had four previous driving under the influence charges. St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly says Helfrich's license suspension was rescinded because Centreville police made errors on a report for one of those cases.

Centreville police had no comment. Helfrich's court records did not have an attorney listed.

Helfrich now is charged with aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death and reckless homicide.

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