South Elgin man faces DUI charges after crashing into tree

A 42-year-old South Elgin man faces drunken driving charges after police said he crashed his car into a tree Saturday near Sundown Road and Renee Drive.

Ronald Gates, of the 1100 block of Sunbury Road, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, no insurance and failure to wear a seat belt, police said.

Officers found Gates trapped inside the vehicle, police said. Crews from the South Elgin Countryside Fire Protection District freed Gates, the only person in the vehicle and took him to Presence Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin.

His injuries are not considered life threatening.