Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and Hanover Park Deputy Chief Matt Riedel announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has approved the state's request to deny pre-trial release for Eric Hernandez, a Hanover Park resident. Hernandez is accused of crashing his car into a tree, injuring two children in the vehicle. The children, both under eight years old, were identified as Hernandez's son and stepdaughter.

Hernandez, 31, appeared in court charged with two counts of Aggravated DUI – Great Bodily Harm and several misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses. These include driving too fast for conditions or failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and child restraint violations.

The incident occurred on November 9th when Hanover Park police responded to a crash on County Farm Road. Officers found a black Honda CRV with significant front-end damage in a residence's yard. The children were discovered nearby; one had blood on his face while the other appeared injured.

Investigations suggest Hernandez was speeding southbound when he rear-ended another vehicle before swerving into oncoming lanes and hitting a tree. At the hospital, his blood alcohol content was recorded at 0.151. The driver of the other vehicle was unharmed.

Berlin stated, “It is alleged that after he had been drinking, Mr. Hernandez got behind the wheel of his car with two children on board not restrained by a child seat and crashed his car, first into another vehicle and then into a tree, causing serious injuries to the children in his car.” He expressed hope for the children's recovery and thanked law enforcement for their response.

Riedel added, “This case is yet another example of the potential dangers when one drinks and drives,” emphasizing zero tolerance for such behavior in Hanover Park due to its risks.

Hernandez's arraignment is set for December 9th before Judge Brian Telander. If convicted, he could face up to twelve years in prison.

The public is reminded that these charges are not proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.