Driver Accused Of Having Heroin, Using Phone During 4-Car Crash

NORTHFIELD, IL — Police said a Chicago man was arrested following an investigation into a four-car traffic crash Friday in Northfield.

Shortly before noon, officers were dispatched to a report of a collision at the intersection of Willow Road and Lagoon Drive, where an eastbound van had crashed into the back of a parked car and triggered a chain reaction crash involving two other stopped cars.

The heavily damaged van came to a stop in a ditch on the edge of the Skokie Lagoons. An ambulance was called to the scene, but no one involved needed to be taken to the hospital, according to Northfield police.

Following an investigation, officers found about 3 grams of heroin in the car, as well as drug paraphernalia, in the possession of the driver of the white van, police said.

Angel Estrada, 26, of the 2100 block of North Natchez Avenue, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.

He was also issued citations for using a cellphone while driving and failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, police said, identifying Estrada as the driver of the van.

Estrada was released on bail following a bond hearing Saturday. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday in Skokie.