Driver charged with DUI 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 Streamwood with one count of aggravated driving under the influence. Her blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.17 percent, more than twice the legal limit, the Cook County state's attorney's office said.

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 the Cook County courthouse in Rolling Meadows Thursday 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.

The maximum sentence for conviction on her charge is 14 years in prison.

But Ebbole could face additional charges based on the outcome of the crash 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 about 8:50 p.m. Monday.

Investigators determined the car left the roadway near Radcliffe Lane, continuing south on the west parkway until its passenger's-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 at the hospital; Ebbole was treated and released. She remained in police custody until she was bonded out Thursday.