By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – McLean County State’s Attorney Jason Chambers said Tuesday he will file more serious charges against a suspected drunk driver because a teenager has died from injuries in a hit-and-run crash on Six Points Road in Bloomington last week.
Chambers said 32-year old Steven Mccuen will face a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, causing an accident involving a fatality.
16-year old Dale Nelson died late Monday night at a Peoria hospital after doctors removed him from life support. He was riding his bicycle when police said he was struck by a van driven by Mccuen.
Chambers said the new charge carries with it a four-to-15-year prison sentence if he’s convicted, and because Mccuen has prior DUI convictions, he might be eligible for a 30-year sentence.
Similar cases used to result in the filing of reckless homicide charges, but laws have changed, and Chambers noted current law mandates harsher penalties.
Prosecutors say Mccuen had six to seven beers at a local bar before driving, and bar workers told investigators he appeared to be intoxicated.
Mccuen reportedly told police he had seen several bicyclists and accidentally hit one of them on Six Points Road last Monday night. He allegedly told authorities he panicked and fled the area, but wanted to know if the bicylist he hit was ok.
Court records indicate Mccuen has two prior drunk driving convictions and a pending DUI case in Logan County. He’s being held on $750,000 bond, meaning he has to post $75,000 to be released while awaiting trial.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
