Driver in 3-Car Crash Under the Influence of Drugs: Police

An Orland Park woman is accused of being under the influence of drugs when involved in a three-car crash on June 22.

Jayne K. Panka, 55, of the 17200 block of Lakebrook Drive, was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, improper lane use and failing to reduce speed to avoid a crash, according to an Orland Park police report.

Police were called at about 4:26 p.m. to the 9700 block of 153rd Street to investigate the multiple-vehicle crash, the report states. One of the drivers, Panka, appeared confused, spoke with slurred speech and couldn't remember her phone number. She was taken to Silver Cross Hospital for treatment.

An officer who spoke with the other drivers and a witness determined that Panka's car allegedly veered into oncoming traffic and struck the other two cars, the report states. The first struck car stopped in a nearby private drive. The second was hit head on.

Blood and urine samples were taken at the hospital to test for alcohol and for the possible presence of Xanax and Depakote.

Police report information is provided by law enforcement agencies, including the Orland Park Police Department. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you tonotify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.