Drunken Skokie Teen Crashes Into Empty Restaurant, Flees: Police

SKOKIE, IL — A drunken teen crashed a car into a vacant restaurant before fleeing the scene Wednesday in Skokie, police said.

Joel Valdes, 18, of the 8700 block of St. Louis Avenue, Skokie, was arrested at his home within an hour of the crash and subsequently charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal consumption of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident, according to Skokie police.

Just after 1 a.m., officers were called to the former Slice of Life restaurant at 4120 Dempster Street for a report of a two-car crash, according to Sgt. Eric Swaback.

Both cars had been headed east when one left the road and crashed into the brick building, Swaback said.

There were no injuries, but the driver of the car that struck the building fled. The other driver remained on the scene and cooperated with authorities, according to Swaback.

In addition to the misdemeanor DUI and underage drinking charges, Valdes was issued traffic citations for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and no proof of valid insurance, according to police.

Valdes is next due in court on Oct. 13.