A Lake in the Hills man is being held in the Kane County Jail after what prosecutors say was his eighth DUI-related arrest, this one following a head-on crash Sunday on South Randall Road in Algonquin that sent six people to the hospital. Authorities allege he crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed into a minivan carrying six passengers, some of whom suffered serious injuries. He now faces felony aggravated DUI charges and is scheduled to return to court on June 10.
Crash Details
Prosecutors identified the driver as 42-year-old Robert Barrett of Lake in the Hills and said he was behind the wheel of a 2016 BMW when it crossed into oncoming traffic on South Randall Road and struck the minivan. All six passengers in the minivan were taken to nearby hospitals, with some reported to have serious injuries. Responding officers noted that Barrett had slurred speech, red, glassy eyes and a strong odor of alcohol, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Prosecutors say Barrett has seven prior DUI-related convictions and has now been charged with three counts of aggravated DUI.
Aggravated DUI And Penalties
Under Illinois law a third or subsequent DUI, or a DUI that causes serious injury, can be prosecuted as aggravated driving under the influence, a felony. The statute and court rulings set baseline felony classes and increase penalties for repeat offenders, as well as for cases where someone is hurt. The Illinois Supreme Court's analysis of section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code outlines how aggravated DUI classifications and mandatory penalties escalate with prior convictions and when harm occurs. For a deeper dive into the statute and case law, see the Illinois Supreme Court opinion.
Pretrial Status
Barrett was ordered held in custody following a pretrial detention hearing and remains in the Kane County Jail. His next court date is set for June 10. The Kane County State's Attorney's Office, which released case details to local media, said additional filings are expected as investigators continue to review the crash, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.
