Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied the state's motion to detain Luis Guzman Alvarez pre-trial. Alvarez, a 49-year-old from Chicago, is accused of causing a fatal crash that resulted in the death of Jose Orizaba, aged 69. Alvarez faces one count of aggravated DUI causing death, classified as a Class 2 felony. As part of his pre-trial release conditions, Alvarez will wear a secure continuous remote alcohol monitoring device (SCRAM), refrain from driving, and report to Pre-Trial Services as required.

The incident occurred on December 1, 2024. At approximately 7:41 a.m., Villa Park police officers responded to a crash at St. Charles Road and Villa Avenue involving injuries. Officers found Orizaba's Chevy SUV with significant damage at the Shell gas station at the intersection's southeast corner and a minivan allegedly driven by Alvarez in the southbound lane with heavy front-end damage. Orizaba was extricated using the jaws of life but was pronounced deceased later at a local hospital.

An investigation revealed that Orizaba was traveling eastbound on St. Charles Road with a green light when Alvarez allegedly ignored the red light while speeding and crashed into his vehicle, forcing it into the gas station parking lot. Alvarez was reportedly driving at about forty-six mph in a thirty mph zone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .374. A search of his vehicle allegedly uncovered open bottles containing alcoholic beverages.

Berlin commented on the case stating: “Like all alleged DUI cases, the case against Mr. Guzman Alvarez was 100% avoidable,” adding condolences to Orizaba's family and emphasizing not to drive after drinking due to available ride-sharing services.

Chief Rivas remarked on the tragedy faced by Orizaba’s family: “It is indeed a tragedy for the Orizaba family to be faced with the loss of their loved one," praising both Villa Park police efforts and support from Berlin’s office.

Alvarez's next court appearance is scheduled for December 23, 2024, before Judge Daniel Guerin for arraignment.

Authorities remind that these charges are not proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.