Driver charged in Wheaton train crash

A Wheaton man who was injured when he drove around an activated railroad-crossing signal and collided with a train was arrested Tuesday on charges stemming from the crash, police said.

Edmund Mesch Jr., 53, of North Cherry Street, was charged with criminal damage to property, railroad obstruction and reckless conduct, according to a news release.

Police said Mesch was behind the wheel of a 2005 Jeep Liberty that collided with a freight train shortly before noon March 13 at a crossing near Wheaton’s College Avenue train station. Mesch was treated for minor abrasions after the accident, which stopped rail traffic for about 90 minutes, authorities said.

He is free on a $1,000 bond.