A driver impatient with rush hour traffic on First Avenue ended up causing traffic to back up for miles after he allegedly zoomed into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck a semi-tractor cab head on while approaching 31st Street at 7:10 a.m. on Oct. 7.
According to the North Riverside Police, Bridgeview resident Keith R. Aldridge, 25, was traveling southbound on First Avenue with a female passenger. Witnesses reported that his Toyota Echo had been darting in and out of traffic, and while approaching 31st Street attempted to avoid traffic by heading into the northbound lanes.
Both Aldridge and the female passenger were injured in the crash and were transported to Loyola University Medical Center. Aldridge was released into the custody of police later that same day; the passenger remained in the hospital, suffering from serious injuries to her lower body. Police had no other information about her condition. The driver of the semi was uninjured.
According to police, while at the hospital, police recovered a small plastic baggy from Aldridge’s person, which contained methamphetamine.
He was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance, driving on a suspended license and improper lane usage.
?”Bob Uphues
