A man is facing multiple charges after allegedly driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of a single-vehicle crash late Sunday night in Jefferson County. According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, the crash was reported at 10:54 p.m. on the Dix-Irvington Road south of Centralia.
Deputies said Raul Vazquez fled the scene following the crash as he feared he may be deported, but was located a short time later west of the accident site. With the assistance of a translator, investigators determined Vazquez had allegedly been driving under the influence of alcohol when he fell asleep behind the wheel.
Authorities said his vehicle left the roadway, traveled through a bean field, launched through a pond and overturned. Deputies reported Vazquez had a blood alcohol concentration of .154, nearly twice Illinois’ legal limit.
Vazquez was transported by Litton Ambulance to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. He was cited for aggravated driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a crash, improper lane usage, and driving without a valid driver’s license.
The owner of the damaged bean field also requested criminal charges related to the damage to the property.
Because the crash occurred near the boundary between the Jefferson Fire Protection District and the Centralia Fire Protection District, both departments responded to assist at the scene.