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Waukegan man accused of DUI, fleeing after hitting squad car

A Waukegan man faces DUI and other charges after driving into the side of a car driven by a Lake County sheriff's detective, then trying to escape, sheriff's officials said in a news release Tuesday.

Alan Ortiz, 28, of the 2600 block of West Florida Avenue, was traveling south on Sheridan Road in a Nissan Altima and attempted to make a right turn onto westbound Washington Street about 8:50 p.m. Monday. Ortiz made a wide turn and struck the driver's side of the unmarked Dodge Charger, the news release said.

The detective, who had been stopped at a traffic light, activated the car's emergency lights. Ortiz put the Nissan in reverse and fled, according to the release.

The detective pursued the Nissan until Ortiz struck a curb, which disabled the vehicle. He was arrested by the detective in the area of North Avenue and Douglas Street.

Police said they determined Ortiz was driving under the influence. He was charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing to elude, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, no insurance leaving the scene of a crash and other traffic violations, according to the release.

Ortiz remains held in the Lake County jail on $50,000 bail. He is next due in court Nov. 16.

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