Alcohol a factor in fatal Schaumburg crash

Schaumburg police have determined alcohol to be a factor in the single-car crash Monday night that killed the 26-year-old passenger.

Police have charged Karie M. Ebbole, 24, of 21 N. Park Blvd. in Streamwood with one count of aggravated driving under the influence.

Killed in the crash was Ebbole's passenger, 26-year-old Michael Q. Bell of Schaumburg.

Ebbole's bond was set at $40,000 at an appearance at the Cook County Courthouse in Rolling Meadows this morning. She was released from custody after paying $4,000, or 10 percent of her bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 26.

Ebbole could face additional charges based on the outcome of the accident reconstruction team's investigation, Schaumburg police Sgt. John Nebl said.

Ebbole had been driving a four-door 1997 Mercury Sable south on the 800 block of South Braintree Drive at about 8:50 p.m. Monday.

Investigators determined the car left the roadway near Radcliffe Lane, continuing southbound on the west parkway until its passenger side door struck a tree.

Ebbole and Bell were extricated from the vehicle by paramedics and transported to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village.

Bell died of his injuries at the hospital, while Ebbole was treated and released. She remained in police custody from the time of her release until investigators determined the charge of aggravated DUI.