Crime & Safety

Update: Charges Filed in Fatal Highland Park Crash

Driver cited for DUI while law enforcement officials and Lake County State's Attorney continue investigation. Driver's father speaks out.

Updated 9/6/2012 at 2 p.m.

The driver in the was charged Wednesday with driving under the influence “of an intoxicating compound or combination of intoxicating compounds,” according to a news release from Highland Park City Manager David Knapp.

Carly Rousso, 18, of Highland Park was charged based on the evidence obtained and analyzed so far with any additional counts based on a further investigation, according to the release. She was released on bond, according to the Lake County State's Attorney's Office and, according to the Rousso's spokesman Jim Termin, she is no longer driving.

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After the crash, Highland Park “police officers at the scene made observations of the driver consistent with possible impairment,” according to the release. Rousso was taken to Highland Park Hospital where blood and urine samples were obtained.

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The samples were given to the Illinois State Police Crime Laboratory to be analyzed, according to the release. Both the Highland Park Accident Investigation Team and the Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) are continuing the investigation in cooperation with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.

“Results from the forensic analysis of the evidence will dictate the appropriate charge(s),” the release said. “According to the state’s attorney’s office, this case is being handled in the same manner as other cases of this magnitude.”

The collision left Santos-Sacramento’s mother, Modesta Sacramento, and her two brothers, ages 2 and 4, injured. The brothers were treated and released from Highland Park Hospital. Sacramento is still hospitalized with non life threatening injuries, according to the release.

Rousso's father, David Rousso, gave a statement on Thursday:

We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the entire Santos-Sacramento Family. Our hearts go out to them for the devastating loss of their beautiful daughter and sister Jaclyn. Words cannot possibly express our sorrow at this unimaginable tragedy. And they remain in our thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time.

Rousso will appear in Lake County Court at 9 a.m. Sept. 21 in Waukegan.

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