Alcoholic beverage containers found at Round Lake Beach crash site

Authorities are investigating if alcohol was a factor when a man drove into a high-voltage utility pole in Round Lake Beach over the weekend.

Emmanuel Sermeno, 21, of Mundelein was in critical but stable condition Tuesday at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, police said.

Round Lake Beach Deputy Police Chief Rich Chiarello said empty alcoholic beverage containers, which he couldn't specify, were found near where Sermeno's vehicle crashed about 3:30 a.m. on Route 83 south of Rollins Road. No charges have been lodged against Sermeno.

Sermeno was driving a 1998 Ford Explorer south on Route 83 when, at the Rollins Road curve, he lost control, flipped over and hit the high-voltage pole, authorities said. Witnesses told police Sermeno was traveling at a high rate of speed.

Chiarello said Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District personnel removed Sermeno from the Explorer by cutting its roof. Sermeno was traveling alone.

Lake County prosecutors will subpoena Lutheran General for Sermeno's medical records in an attempt to determine if alcohol was a factor in the one-vehicle crash.

Chiarello said Sermeno's whereabouts before the crash are not yet known. He said investigators haven't been able to speak to Sermeno.

Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team members are working on the investigation with Round Lake Beach police.