ROCKFORD, ILL.  – 12/05/2015 – The Rockford Police Department says they have charged a driver with DUI after a deadly crash that killed one person on the Whitman Street bridge early Friday morning.
Police say a Nissan Xterra, driven by James Allen Jeffers, 33, of South Beloit, was traveling westbound on the bridge, crossed the median, and crashed head-on into a Chevy Malibu, driven by Alex Banks, 25, of Rockford. A passenger was also in the Malibu, Tanisha Gates, 23, of Rockford.
Banks was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, and Jeffers and Gates were transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Police have charged Jeffers with driving under the influence of alcohol and improper lane usage. Officials say more charges are possible.
At approximately 1:25 a.m on 12-04-2015, members of the Rockford Police Department responded to the east side of the Whitman St Bridge, to investigate a rollover traffic crash. Upon arrival, officers located two vehicles that had been involved in a head-on collision. One of the vehicles that were involved had come to rest on its side. Initial investigation revealed that one of the involved vehicles was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes before the crash.
The 25-year-old driver of one of the vehicles sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in that vehicle was a 23-year-old female, who sustained serious injuries, and was transported to a local hospital. She is in serious condition.
The driver of the second vehicle also sustained serious injuries, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police say that the crash is an on-going investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is encouraged to contact the Rockford Police Department.
RECENT DUI ARRESTS BY ROCKFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT:
HANSON, DOUGLAS Age: 65 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 11/30/2015 6:13:00PM Case Number: 15-149699 Arrest Location: Rockford, IL Rfd, IL Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Charges: Driving Under Influence Liquor, Improper lane usage.
HERNANDEZ, ERICK Age: 24 Sex: M Arrest Date/Time: 11/29/2015 4:47:00AM Case Number: 15-149142 Arrest Location: Rockford, IL Rockford, IL Arresting Agency: Rockford Police Department Charges: Violation of the Cannabis Control Act (less than 2.5) Driving Under Influence Liquor Failure to reduce speed/ Too fast for conditions Other traffic offenses.