Authorities: Alcohol a possible factor in minibike crash

Lake County authorities say alcohol appeared to have played a role in a motorized minibike crash that left a 49-year-old Cary man with serious injuries.

According to Lake County sheriff's police, the unidentified minibike driver crashed about 6:50 p.m. Sunday in an unincorporated area near Fox River Road and Hickory Nut Grove Road. Police said a witness reported the man was westbound on Fox River Road, east of Hickory Nut Grove Road, when he took his hands off the handle bars and lost control of the motorized bike.

Police said the driver, who was not wearing a helmet, fell from the minibike and struck his head on the pavement. He was taken by helicopter to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was in critical condition.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Police said a preliminary investigation shows it appears alcohol played a factor in the crash. The crash investigation remains active.