Driver charged with reckless driving after 3-car crash in Bartlett

A 23-year-old Belvidere man was charged with reckless driving after Bartlett police's investigation of a three-vehicle crash Thursday at Route 59 and Lake Street.

Rafael Mendoza was driving a 2000 Jaguar XJR south on Route 59 about 7:30 a.m. when he entered the U-turn-only lane to pass several vehicles stopped in traffic near the Lake Street ramp, authorities said.

Mendoza then attempted to merge into the outside lane and struck a 2001 Ford Ranger, police said.

The impact caused Mendoza's vehicle to spin around to face north on the median. The Ford Ranger struck a 2002 Saturn SL1, causing both to slide down the southwest embankment.

The drivers of the Ford and Saturn suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.

Mendoza was released on an individual bond and assigned a court date of March 13 at the Cook County Courthouse in Rolling Meadows.