Boy, 6, in critical condition after rescued from Aurora pond

A 6-year-old boy was in critical condition Sunday after rescuers pulled him from an SUV that crashed into pond near Interstate 88 in Aurora, authorities said.

Police said alcohol use was the main factor in the crash and charges are expected Monday.

Officers called to the area near the interstate and Diehl Road at about 2:40 a.m. Sunday found a 2007 Nissan Xterra fully submerged in the retention pond.

Its driver, a 31-year-old Cicero woman, along with three female passengers ages 21, 15 and 12 were able to escape the SUV. The 6-year-old boy, a relative of the driver and also from Cicero, could not get out, police said.

An Aurora Fire Department surface swimmer immediately was deployed to help locate the vehicle and the boy, followed by two water rescue team divers, Aurora police said. About six minutes later, at 3:03 a.m., the SUV and child were located about 80 feet from shore, in approximately 15 feet of water.

Police said it is believed the boy was in the water for at least 30 minutes. He was rushed to an Aurora hospital in critical condition and later transported to a Chicago hospital.

At least one other occupant of the vehicle was taken to an Aurora hospital and released after observation, police said.

The driver told police they were driving home from a party in Aurora when she got off the interstate and lost control of the SUV while turning onto Diehl and plunged into the pond, authorities said.

The driver is being held in Aurora police custody, authorities said.