'Truly sorry' Palatine man gets 2 years in DUI crash

For causing a head-on crash that injured two adults and three children, Derrick Lamott of Palatine will spend the next two years in prison.

Lamott, 31, pleaded guilty Wednesday to driving under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the crash, about 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 15, near Hicks and Carpenter roads in Palatine.

A male victim suffered a broken hip that required replacement and a three-week hospital stay, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Mike Clarke. A female victim suffered broken ribs, wrist and leg, and three children riding in the car also suffered injuries, Clarke said.

Lamott's background includes two previous DUI arrests in Indiana, Clarke said.

Lamott, whose address is listed as the 1200 block of N. Williams, according to court records, admitted smoking marijuana and taking prescription drugs the night before the crash, Clarke said. A toxicology report indicated Lamott's blood tested positive for THC, a compound found in cannabis, Clarke said.

"I'm truly sorry," Lamott said to the victims and their families, who occupied several rows in the courtroom gallery.

His attorney described Lamott as "mortified" about what happened and indicated his client had sought therapy following the accident.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Scotillo referenced that as he sentence Lamott, saying Lamott's background investigation revealed some good works, but he's made serious mistakes, this being among the most grievous.

"You have a couple of issues to address upon your release from prison," Scotillo said.