Driver charged in fatal Waukegan crash

A man has been arrested and charged after a crash that killed his passenger Thursday in north suburban Waukegan.

Rudi Orihuela, 22, of Highland Park, was charged Sunday with driving under the influence, reckless homicide and additional traffic offenses, according to Waukegan police.

Waukegan police

Orihuela was driving a black 2008 Ford Fusion east on Bonnie Brook Lane about 10:45 p.m. when he lost control and hit a tree near the intersection with Lewis Avenue, according to a statement from Waukegan police.

The front-seat passenger, 22-year-old Javier Ocampo of North Chicago, was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead, police and the Lake County coroner’s office said.

The preliminary results of an autopsy July 5 indicated he died of multiple blunt force injuries from the crash, but toxicology testing is pending and his death remains under investigation, the coroner’s office said.

Orihuela, was taken to a hospital to be treated for “moderate injuries,” police said. He has since been released into police custody.

His bail was set at $200,000, police said. He posted bond Saturday and his next court date was set for July 23.