La Grange Park man charged with DUI following head-on crash in Riverside

A La Grange Park man was charged April 15 with driving under the influence of alcohol and carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence of alcohol after the pickup truck he was driving was involved in a head-on crash with another pickup truck in Riverside.

Daniel T. Sheehan, 61, of the 700 block of Beach Avenue, also was was charged with failing to yield while turning left and no proof of insurance, police said.

The crash took place at about 10:36 p.m. when a 2016 Ford F150 driven Sheehan was involved in an crash with a 2011 Dodge R15 truck at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Ridgewood Road.

Paramedics evaluated both drivers, who had minor injuries, however, they refused transportation to a hospital. Paramedics treated them on scene and released them to police for the crash investigation.

Sheehan’s eyes were blood shot and glassy and he had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his mouth, police said. He also was swaying and had difficulty standing. When officers asked him if he had been drinking alcohol, he said he had been drinking vodka prior to driving, according to police.

Sheehan failed roadside field sobriety tests. He could barely stand and police had to balance him to keep him from becoming injured, police said. Sheehan refused to submit to a portable breath test.

Police recovered a fully loaded handgun inside his vehicle adjacent to the driver’s seat. While he is a concealed carry holder, it is unlawful under Illinois law to drive intoxicated while armed.

“This is the third crash at First and Ridgewood that was DUI related and all happened within the last three weeks,” Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel said in a statement. “Additionally, we had a fourth crash that resulted in an arrest for DUI alcohol and drugs on Harlem Avenue. There is no doubt in my mind the pandemic is playing a role in serious DUI crashes. As the country starts to lift some restrictions, people are getting out, drinking more, and getting in their vehicle to drive home. I strongly encourage the driving public to use ride share companies if you know you will be drinking.”