63-Year-Old Woman in Critical Condition After Accident with Drunk Driver

A 63-year-old Niles woman was critically injured when her car was struck by a drunk driver Thursday evening.

According to the police report, Steven G. Lustig, 53, of Wilmette was driving southbound on West Frontage Road when he ran a stop sign and smashed into the passenger side of a 2010 red Toyota Camry, which was traveling westbound on Winnetka Road.

The Camry flipped on its side, and the driver-side wheels were snapped off their axles when they impacted the curb. The is not releasing the victim's name at this time. Both drivers were transported to Evanston Hospital.

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Police said they could smell the odor of alcohol on Lustig and that he told them he thought he was driving on the highway, which was not the case. At the hospital, a blood screen returned a blood alcohol content of .276. When he arrived at the police station after being released from the hospital, he was administered a breathalyzer test, which registered at .169—both over the legal limit .08, according to police.

"Lustig was arrested for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol after being in a motor vehicle accident that caused severe injuries," said Northfield Police Chief William Lustig, who is of no relation to the accused. "Drinking and driving is unacceptable, and people should call a friend, call a cab, or walk instead of getting in a vehicle." 

In addition to the aggravated DUI, Steven Lustig was charged with:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Driving under the influence of alcohol with a BAC greater than .08
• Disobeying a stop sign
• Driving with expired registration
• Driving with expired insurance

According to police, he was taken to bond court on Saturday, and his next court date is Feb. 21.

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