Prosecutors: Driver who killed teen had used crack cocaine

WHEATON, Ill. (AP) — Authorities say a suburban Chicago man had been using crack cocaine for four days and had alcohol in his system when he drove into a 17-year-old girl as she crossed the street. She later died.

Joseph Kucharski of Naperville is charged with aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide for the death of Elizabeth Dunlap.

Police say Downers Grove North High School junior was crossing the street in front of the school around 11 a.m. on Feb. 19 when Kucharski ran a red light and hit her. They say Dunlap was in the crosswalk and Kucharski was driving in the wrong lane.

DuPage County Judge Liam Brennan on Tuesday set Kucharski’s bail at $750,000. His attorney argued for a lower bail saying the 51-year-old has ties to the community.