ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ARRESTS BERWYN MAN FOR AGGRAVATED DUI AFTER FATAL CRASH LEFT ILLINOIS TOLLWAY WORKER DEAD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2026
JUNE 3, 2026
DES PLAINES – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 Special Agents arrested 37-year-old Paul R. Ong of Berwyn, IL, following a deadly crash on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) that left one Illinois Tollway worker dead and two others injured.
On May 30, 2026, at approximately 4:26 a.m., ISP Troopers responded to a crash on I-294 southbound north of Devon Avenue (milepost 41.5) in Des Plaines. Three Illinois Tollway workers were in the roadway making pothole repairs when an SUV, driven by Ong, struck one of the workers. Troopers arrived and rendered medical aid to the injured worker before he was transported to an area hospital and declared deceased. The two other workers were also transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Troopers took Ong into custody at the scene.
On June 2, 2026, after an extensive investigation, ISP presented the case to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved one count of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence Involving Death (Class 2 Felony). Ong remains in custody pending his first court appearance.
Paul R. Ong (M/37)
The charge is not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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