In a turn that brings sobering gravity to the consequences of drunken driving, a Villa Park woman has been detained on charges related to a recent collision. Karina Alonso, 37, is facing allegations of aggravated DUI after an accident that injured two other women, as detailed in a statement released by DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Todd Kubish. The announcement arrived in the wake of Alonso's First Appearance Court hearing, where the severity of her charges prompted Judge Joshua Dieden to order pre-trial detention.
The incident in question unfolded on the evening of October 15, when authorities were summoned to the scene of a two-vehicle crash. According to the same statement, Alonso reportedly deviated into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with the victims' car. Both victims required hospitalization for their injuries, though thankfully, these injuries were not life-threatening. Efforts to hold Alonso accountable began when she was apprehended only ten minutes after fleeing the crash site, her hasty escape cut short near the intersection of James Street and Westmore Avenue.
Amidst the aftermath and investigation, law enforcement officials alleged that Alonso exuded signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, an indication of alcohol on her breath, and a blood alcohol concentration of 0.158—nearly double the legal limit. Among the charges are a fourth violation of aggravated DUI, failure to report an accident involving personal injury, and driving while the license is suspended. The latter offense, according to authorities, marks Alonso's fourth to ninth instance of contravening driving privileges.
State's Attorney Robert Berlin, driving the point home, stressed the inexcusability of the charged behaviors. “It is alleged that with a BAC of nearly double the legal limit, Ms. Alonso not only caused a crash that injured two women, but that she also attempted to flee the scene to avoid responsibility," Berlin said. The state's attorney implored the public to think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking and emphasized safe alternatives such as ride-sharing services. Meanwhile, Chief of Police Todd Kubish praised the diligent response of his officers and conveyed a sense of pride in seeing the relentless pursuit of those shirking responsibility.
As the case proceeds, the community is reminded of the fundamental precept of presumption of innocence, with the defendant entitled to a fair trial where the government must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Alonso is scheduled to appear before Judge Joseph Bugos on October 30 for further court proceedings, an upcoming date likely marked with anticipation by all parties involved in the unsettling October incident.
