Trail of Fluid Led Police to Alleged Drunken Driver: Blotter

Leaving the Scene

Jonathan F. Paska, 27, of the 8800 block of Carnoustie Drive, Orland Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI with a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.08, failing to reduce speed to avoid a crash and leaving the scene of a crash, according to a report.

Police were called at about 10:07 p.m. on July 9 to investigate a hit-and-run crash on Merion Drive, the report states. Police found a smashed up car and a piece of a silver bumper belonging to another car that left the scene. Officers followed a trail of fluids that led to an area where a silver SUV was parked. It reportedly had front-end damage.

Officers spoke with the driver, Paska, inside his home, according to the report. Cops also matched the bumper with the SUV. Paska was asked to perform tests for sobriety, which he allegedly failed. After booking, he was given an Aug. 15 court date in Bridgeview.

MONDAY, JULY 8

Driving Under The Influence of Drugs Charge

Abel R. De-Latorre, 36 of the 7400 block of Leyden Street, Commerce City, MO, was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lane use, according to a report.

Police were following a silver Grand Prix at about 1:13 a.m. in the 14600 block of LaGrange Road, the report states. An officer saw the car swerve across the road lines before pulling it over. The driver, De-Latorre, fumbled through papers while looking for his insurance information and spoke with slurred speech.

An officer ran a check on De-Latorre and found he had prior arrests stemming from drug, robbery and weapons offenses, according to the report. He gave permission for police to search his car. An officer found many plastic bags, including one that had a small amount of white powder. Cops had De-Latorre perform tests for sobriety, when he allegedly failed.

De-Latorre was taken to Palos Community Hospital for blood and urine tests, the report states. He was booked and given a July 24 court date at Bridgeview.

Police report information is provided by the Orland Park Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. 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 to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.