It has finally been confirmed: The off-duty Lockport cop who caused a fatal crash on the Far South Side of Chicago allegedly was drunk (everyone's innocent until proven guilty) at the time, his blood alcohol test showing that he was nearly three times the legal limit (Sun-Times).
Thirty-four-year-old officer Eddie Stapinski, charged with an aggravated DUI and reckless homicide, was ordered held on $750,000 bail during a hearing in Bridgeview.
Mike Wong, a 29-year-old immigrant from Vietnam (but of Chinese descent), was killed in the accident just an hour after Stapinski's weaving car hit the median at about 80 mph, launched into the air and made impact with Wong's car in the other lane.
Wong was returning home from his second job at the time of the accident, about 10:30 p.m., while Stapinski had just left a West Loop bar where he was watching a Blackhawks game and drank "a few beers." He refused a breathalyzer at the scene, but a blood draw showed his BAC to be 0.223, enough to cause serious impairment.
Judge Maureen Patricia Feerick ordered such a high bail because of what she called the "public corruption" of a peace officer driving under the influence, although Illinois DUI attorney Matt Walsh asked for a "reasonable bond." Judge Feerick said the following at the hearing:
"[Stapinski] had a public job that gave him an insight into the seriousness of drinking and driving."
Stapinski also was ordered to surrender his firearms and driver's license. If convicted, the Lockport officer could spend up to 14 years in jail. Woo's cousin, Tiffany Wong, said she thought he should get "at least 40 years" for the fatality.
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Misdemeanor & Felony Traffic Offenses (FindLaw)
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Peoria officer receives probation in DUI crash (Peoria Journal Star)
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Chicago DUI Attorneys (FindLaw)
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