Dad abandons hurt 10-year-old son at store while fleeing DUI crash, Illinois police say

A 29-year-old man was arrested after he caused a crash while under the influence, then abandoned his son as he fled the scene, Illinois cops say.

Officers in Joilet responded to a four-vehicle crash on Saturday, Dec. 11, which they determined was the result of Christopher Hernandez rear-ending the vehicle in front of his. That vehicle then lost control, skidding into two additional vehicles, police said.

Hernandez fled on foot, carrying his “seriously injured” 10-year-old son, according to police. He dropped his son off at a nearby store before continuing to flee.

Officers found Hernandez about 3 miles away from the crash after “an extensive search.” He was treated and released from Silver Cross Hospital, then taken to a local jail.

His son suffered a broken leg and fire department officials transported him to a medical center. No one in any of the other vehicles was injured in the crash.

Hernandez faces charges of DUI, aggravated DUI, endangering the life or health of a child, failure to remain at the scene of a personal injury accident and obstructing/resisting a peace officer.

Joilet is in northern Illinois about 45 miles southwest of Chicago.

This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 12:01 PM with the headline "Dad abandons hurt 10-year-old son at store while fleeing DUI crash, Illinois police say."