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Man Was Drunk When He Crashed Into Pedestrians, Killing One, Police Say

By Erin Meyer | February 18, 2013 1:44pm | Updated on February 18, 2013 4:25pm
 Leroy Bobo is charged with reckless homicide in the early Saturday death of Mario Ortegao in the 3100 block of North Central Avenue.
Leroy Bobo is charged with reckless homicide in the early Saturday death of Mario Ortegao in the 3100 block of North Central Avenue.
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Chicago Police

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — A man who is charged with killing one person and injuring three others in a drunk hit-and-run Saturday admitted to "smoking a blunt" and drinking E&J Brandy that night, according to police.

Leroy L. Bobo, of the 5700 block of West Race, was charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI, driving on a suspended license, failing to report an accident with injuries and several other charges, police said.

Bobo, who was allegedly drunk when his car crashed into a group of people crossing a street, was ordered held on $500,000 bond Monday.

According to police and prosecutors, Bobo crashed his 2002 PT Cruiser into a group that was crossing the street in the 3100 block of North Central Avenue early Saturday.

Killed was Mario Ortega, 38, of the 4700 block of West Palmer Street, authorities said.

Prosecutors said Monday that Ortega suffered head trauma and bleeding of the brain. He was pronounced dead at Our Lady of Resurrection Hospital.

A 25-year-old woman who also suffered head injuries, a 32-year-old woman whose hip was fractured and 38-year-old woman with a fractured ankle were among the surviving victims.

According to prosecutors, Bobo ran into a parked car near the intersection of Central and Wellington Street before veering in to the foursome as they waited to cross the street in the 3100 block of North Central.

Bobo didn't stop or try to help the injured, prosecutors said. He sped away an crashed in to yet another vehicle idling at a red light in the 3800 block of North Central.