‘Joyriding’ Chicago man charged after father dies, 7-year-old critical in Oak Lawn crash

OAK LAWN, Ill. — A Chicago man who admitted to “joyriding” after allegedly drinking is facing multiple charges after a 27-year-old father was killed in an Oak Lawn DUI crash Tuesday.

Peter Swensen, 19, was charged with reckless homicide, aggravated driving under the influence and driving under the influence causing death after police responded to the area of Southwest Highway and Cicero Avenue at around 3:10 a.m.

Authorities allege Swensen went through a red light while drunk and crashed into another vehicle at nearly 90 miles per hour.

Inside the other vehicle was Eglin Manuel Castro Alvarez, 27, and his 7-year-old daughter. Court documents show he just got done picking her up from a babysitter after finishing work.

Alvarez’s vehicle was struck traveling southbound on Cicero.

Swensen’s vehicle struck another vehicle before coming to a rest against a vacant oil change business, according to police.

Alvarez was extricated and died at the hospital. Officers observed his daughter laying down with a blanket and she was transported to Christ Hospital in critical condition.

The girl was later transported via helicopter to the Comer Children’s Hospital. She suffered seven spinal fractures, fractures to her ribs and bruised lungs.

At the scene, officers noted they could smell alcohol on Swensen’s breath, documents allege.

Documents show Swensen admitted to having at least two to three espresso martinis a couple hours before the crash. He also reportedly admitted to “joyriding.”

Swensen’s blood alcohol content level was .153, documents state.

A judge denied prosecutors’ request for detainment with pre-trial conditions including no driving, no alcohol and a 12-hour home confinement.

Swensen’s next court date is scheduled for Jan. 16.

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