Man Arrested for DWI After Causing 8-Car Crash and Multiple Injuries

On May 3, 2024 around 5:53, Officer Charles Keenan with the Elmwood Park Police Department was dispatched to a call involving a motor vehicle accident in the vicinity of Mola Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. As he arrived on scene, he first observed one male who was trapped inside a vehicle, and he told him that the fire department was coming. He continued to inspect each damaged vehicle before finally checking a black Honda Accord which was approximately 500 feet north of Godwin Avenue. Witnesses pointed to the driver of the black Honda Accord, and he was eventually identified as 29-year-old Jean Lizardo.

As Officer Keenan was speaking with Jean, he detected the odor of alcohol and observed other indicators of impairment. Witnesses also told the officers that the driver was likely under the influence. Based on the motor vehicle accident involving multiple vehicles and his suspicion of impairment, Officer Keenan asked Jean to perform field sobriety exercises, and he agreed to do so.

Officer Keenan started with the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. During the HGN test, Officer Keenan observed the lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. The second exercise was the Walk and Turn test. During the Walk and Turn test, Jean did not touch heel-to-toe on each step and failed to turn. The final exercise was the One Leg Stand test, and Officer Keenan terminated this test early for safety reasons because Jean was unable to perform it.

Based on the motor vehicle accident involving 8 vehicles, witness accounts of what occurred, the odor of alcohol, and his inability to perform the field sobriety exercise adequately, Officer Keenan placed him under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Officer Hanz Brady transported him to the Elmwood Park Police Department for further processing. Some individuals involved in the accident were also transported to the hospital due to the extent of their injuries.

At police HQ, Jean was searched in more detail and placed in a cell. After he was initially questioned about the accident, Officer Wendy Tinio read him the Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators, and he agreed to submit breath samples. The Alcotest machine was operated by Officer Michael Mulligan. His Alcotest results indicated a BAC of 0.16%, which was double the legal limit of 0.08%. After he was processed, he was released to a sober adult pending his court appearance after she signed the Potential Liability Warning form on his behalf. Officer Keenan issued Jean the following summonses: Operating under the influence, reckless driving, careless driving, and unsafe operation

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