Isidro (left), Estrada (right)
Traffic Crash Results in Four (4) Fatalities and Two (2) Arrests - Update from August 9, 2020 Event –
RIVER FOREST, IL On August 9, 2020 at approximately 12:48AM the River Forest Police Department responded to the 400 block of Harlem for a motor vehicle that had struck the Starbucks located at 7201 Lake St. The driver of that vehicle, a 19-year-old male from Chicago, remained on scene and was later transported to Gottlieb Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The four passengers in the vehicle succumbed to their injuries either on the scene of the crash or at Loyola Hospital.
Pursuant to an investigation, it was determined that an altercation took place at a gas station in the 2100 block of Harlem in Elmwood Park that involved the occupants of the vehicle that crashed and the occupants of another vehicle. The vehicles left the gas station at a high rate of speed and travelled southbound on Harlem until the driver of the vehicle, that crashed, lost control and struck Starbucks located at 7201 Lake St. The other vehicle involved did not strike the vehicle that crashed, and continued to drive southbound on Harlem.
The driver of the vehicle that crashed, Betsaid Isidro 19-years old of Chicago, was charged with four (4) counts of Reckless Homicide which were approved by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Felony Review Unit, and after it was determined that the driver was driving at a speed in excess of 90 MPH prior to the crash. The driver was also charged and cited for Speeding 35+ MPH over the speed limit, as well as numerous Illinois Vehicle Code violations including Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs. A Cook County Judge issued him a $4 million bond.
Investigators learned the identity of the other vehicle involved and its driver’s identity, Jeffry Estrada 19-years old from Chicago. An arrest warrant was obtained for the driver, and he was taken into custody on August 18, 2020 and the vehicle was impounded. Estrada was charged with Reckless Driving, Speeding 35+ MPH over the speed limit, and numerous other Illinois Vehicle Code violations.
“This was an extremely tragic and unnecessary event, which resulted in the loss four young adults. Speed and other reckless actions do kill and I would ask the motoring public to follow state traffic laws and exercise caution on our roadways. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families, friends, and any others impacted by this heartbreaking incident.” – Chief James O’Shea
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