Charges pending in head-on Sunday crash in St. Charles

St. Charles police say criminal charges are pending against an Aurora man involved in a head-on crash Sunday morning along Route 31.

Police said Luis Pina, 45, was taken to Delnor Hospital in Geneva in critical condition and three others had nonlife threatening injuries.

Pina, according to court records, was arrested Sept. 2 by North Aurora police and found guilty of driving without ever being issued a license, speeding 21 to 25 mph over the limit and transportation of open alcohol. He was fined $900, according to court records.

St. Charles police spokesman Paul McCurtain said charges are pending against Pina, of the 400 block of New York Street in connection with Sunday’s crash.

Police said Pina was driving south on Route 31 in a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix just north of Wildrose Springs Drive when he lost control and struck a 2005 Chevy Tahoe headed north at about 11 a.m.

Pina was extricated from the vehicle and police said “alcohol and faulty equipment” were suspected as contributing causes to Pina losing control of his vehicle.

“He was critical when he was transported. It’s a head injury,” McCurtain said.

Three Aurora residents in the sport utility vehicle also were taken to Delnor with nonlife threatening injuries, McCurtain said.

They were: the driver, Manuel Nunez, 37, of the 700 block of West Old Indian Trail; and Carmen and Emillo Arevalo, ages 52 and 54, respectively, both of the 400 block of Wilder Street.

A message left with Delnor officials regarding the current conditions of the four people was not immediately returned.