Machesney Park man accused of fatal DUI crash with box truck booked into jail

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Austin Harris, 27, who allegedly crashed into a white box truck while under the influence in January, was booked into the Winnebago County Jail on Friday.

On January 17, around 9:47 a.m., Rockford Police officers, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies and Winnebago County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) responded to a fatal crash on South Main Street and Pelly Road.

Officials saw a 2018 Infiniti and a white box truck, both heavily damaged, on the shoulder of South Main. The driver of the box truck told responders the Infiniti passed him, lost control and went over the median before crashing into the truck.

Multiple witnesses said they saw the car lose control and make impact with the truck as well, according to reports. Security cameras viewed by officials showed Harris’s car moving at high speeds and losing control before the crash.

At the time of the incident, Ahmad Williams, 32, was pronounced dead on the scene, while Harris was taken to St. Anthony’s Hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities later collected blood and urine tests from Harris, which showed the suspect had a combination of benzodiazepines and cannabis at the time.

MCAT’s investigations determined Harris was going around 68 mph in a 45 mph zone before losing control, according to court records.

Harris is charged with aggravated DUI crash causing death and reckless homicide while using a motor vehicle.

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