Joliet man sentenced to 5 years in prison for fatal pedestrian crash in 2019

A man was sentenced to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in a crash more than three years ago that resulted in the death of a 36-year-old man in Joliet.

Samuel Byrd, 34, of Joliet, had been charged with aggravated driving under the influence in the June 6, 2019, crash that killed a pedestrian named Alex Dauzvardis, 36. Byrd was not arrested until a year after the charges were filed.

After more than two years since Byrd’s arrest, he pleaded guilty to the offense that led to the death of Dauzvardis, according to Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow’s Office. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

“Samuel Byrd deliberately got behind the wheel of his truck and drove that morning, despite having been drinking alcohol and engaging in drug use throughout the night and into the early-morning hours,” Glasgow said in a statement.

Glasgow said Byrd’s actions “tragically ended the life of a father, brother and son who was simply minding his own business and walking down the street.

“Sadly, no amount of time in prison can make up for the loss of his life or repair the wounds to his family and loved ones,” Glasgow said.

The incident occurred about 4 a.m. June 6, 2019, when Byrd was driving the truck that struck and killed Dauzvardis as he was walking to work in the area of West Park Front Street and Park Drive in Joliet, according to Glasgow’s office.

Officers pronounced Dauzvardis dead at the scene.

Byrd initially fled the scene after hitting Dauzvardis with his truck and returned on foot about 15 minutes later, according to Glasgow’s office.

Byrd submitted to testing, which showed his blood-alcohol concentration was above the legal limit, according to Glasgow’s office. Byrd’s urine also showed that he ingested cocaine and marijuana.

According to Dauzvardis’ obituary, he held jobs in various positions ranging from construction to health and fitness. He also was a father to two daughters.