ICC Student Indicted by Tazewell County Grand Jury

EAST PEORIA — While many are still grieving the loss of Illinois Central College student Mario Reyes, 23, of Elgin, Joseph W. Owens, an ICC student, is facing up to seven years in prison for the charges he acquired after the crash that killed Reyes.

Owens, 19, of Niles, has been indicted on four charges by a Tazewell County grand jury: aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in a death, driving under the influence, illegal transportation of alcohol, and improper lane usage. He is currently free on $50,000 bond and will appear in court again on Nov. 9.

According to court records, Reyes was ejected from the car at the time of the crash, landing under the vehicle and ultimately crushed to death. Surviving passengers of the crash include Stephen E. Davidson, 19, of Hyden, Brandon J. Saylor, 18, of Salyersville, and Wesley H. Stamper, 18, of Buckhorn. All are ICC students.

Police were called to the accident scene shortly after 4 a.m. Sept. 22 and found the vehicle near the intersection of Farmdale Road and Bittersweet Road in East Peoria.

At the time of the crash, Owens’ blood-alcohol content was 0.154 percent; nearly double the 0.08 percent legal limit to drive in Illinois. He allegedly told police he had drank a “couple beers,” while an open bottle of vodka was found inside the vehicle.

Dr. John Erwin, president of ICC comments, “Our heartfelt sympathy continues for the family of Mario Reyes, and our thoughts continue for the other students in the accident. This is a tragedy for all involved.”