Motorcyclists charged after two crashes in Bartlett

Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crashes of two motorcycles in Bartlett early Saturday morning, police said.

Both motorcyclists were charged with failing to notify police of an accident after crashing their vehicles in quick succession while riding together.

Jacob Smith, 30, of 631 Willow Street in Elburn was also charged with operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Nicholas Crear, 26, of 2270 Rockefeller Drive in Geneva was additionally charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence.

Barlett police Monday were continuing to investigate whether Smith was under the influence of alcohol at the time of his crash, Sgt. Michael McGuigan said. Investigators are awaiting the results of a blood test.

Officers found a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle on its side and in pieces in a field along Newport Boulevard near Stearns Road in Bartlett at about 2 a.m. Saturday, McGuigan said.

The officers located Smith and learned he had been driving the motorcycle and lost control of it. Paramedics took him to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates for treatment of minor injuries.

Just after locating Smith's motorcycle, police also discovered a 2005 Harley Davidson abandoned and covered in mud near the crash site.

Police said they determined that Crear had been driving the 2005 Harley Davidson but had fled the scene. He was later arrested at his home by Geneva police.

Officers learned that Crear had crashed his motorcycle as he attempted to stop to help Smith after his crash, McGuigan said.

Both men were released from police custody after posting bond and are scheduled to appear May 5 at the DuPage County Courthouse in Wheaton.