Westmont, Illinois -- Date Issued: August 2, 2021
The following information was published in a press release issued by the DuPage County States Attorney’s Office on August, 2, 2021:
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and James Gunther, Chief of the Westmont Police Department announced today that a Blue Island woman has been charged in a fatal head-on crash that occurred early Sunday morning that claimed the life of 70-year-old Robert Strobl of Downers Grove. Alyz Segura, 27 (d.o.b. 12/02/1993) of 120 block of Elm Drive appeared in Bond Court this morning in front of Judge Michael Reidy who set bail at $500,000 with 10% to apply.
It is alleged that at approximately 06:10 a.m. Sunday morning, Segura was driving her Ford Explorer westbound on Chicago Avenue in Westmont at a high rate of speed when she allegedly crossed over the double yellow line and crashed head-on into a Mercury sedan being driven by Strobl. The force of the collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles. A witness nearby heard the crash and called 911. Another witness who heard the crash ran towards the scene and attempted to help Segura from her car. The witness was unable to open the driver’s side door but was able to open the rear passenger side door where Segura and her passenger exited the vehicle. When the witness opened the rear passenger door, she saw and smelled smoke that smelled and tasted like marijuana. Authorities from the Westmont Police Department, Westmont Fire Department, and the DuPage Metropolitan Emergency Response Investigative Team (MERIT) arrived at the scene. Fire Department paramedics performed lifesaving efforts on Strobl, who was suffering from severe injuries due to the crash, but they were unable to save him. Segura was transported to a local hospital and treated for her injuries and was taken into custody at the hospital. She has been charged with one count of Aggravated DUI Causing Death, a Class 2 Felony punishable by up to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. An investigation into the crash revealed that Segura allegedly had a blood alcohol concentration of .16, twice above the legal limit of 0.08, and had cocaine and cannabis in her system.
“Once again we see the tragic consequences of an alleged drunk driver,” Berlin said. “Alyz Segura’s decision to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol, with cocaine and marijuana in her system cost a completely innocent motorist his life. Drunk driving crashes are 100% avoidable. The next time you or someone you know is considering getting behind the wheel of their car after they have been drinking, search the Internet for images of the consequences of drunk driving and ask yourself ‘is this how I want to end the evening or possibly my life?’ Our condolences go out to Mr. Strobl’s family and friends who are now grieving their loss. I would like to thank the Westmont Police Department, Westmont Fire Department, MERIT, and Lisle Police Department for their quick response and thorough investigation into this crash. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Michele Moreschi for her extended efforts on this case.”
“Our sincerest condolences go out to the family of the victim who lost his life as a result of this tragic event,” Gunther said. “I commend the Westmont police officers and investigators who worked diligently during the course of this investigation and I would like to extend my appreciation to the members of the DuPage County MERIT Accident Reconstruction Team for their assistance. I would also like to thank the DuPage County States Attorney’s Office for their assistance and guidance throughout this investigation.”
Segura’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 27, 2021, in front of Judge Michael Reidy.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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