A Berwyn man now faces charges for allegedly driving under the influence in a crash that killed an Illinois Tollway worker and injured two others over the weekend on the Tri-State Tollway.
Authorities charged 37-year-old Paul Ong with one count of aggravated DUI involving death.
According to Illinois State Police, the crash happened around 4:30 a.m. Saturday as three Illinois Tollway workers were repairing potholes in the southbound lanes of I-294 near Devon Avenue in Des Plaines. An SUV struck all three workers while they were on the job.
Emergency crews transported the workers to local hospitals. One of them, 52-year-old Calvin Holley, later died from his injuries.
Police said Ong stayed at the scene after the crash and officers took him into custody. On Tuesday, Cook County prosecutors approved a felony aggravated DUI charge against him.
During his first court appearance Wednesday, prosecutors requested that Ong remain detained while awaiting trial, according to Cook County Circuit Court records. His attorney has asked for his release under electronic monitoring and a SCRAM alcohol-monitoring device, while also proposing that he be prohibited from driving during any pretrial release period.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday at the Skokie Courthouse. Until then, Ong will remain in custody.
Officials identified Holley as an equipment operator and laborer who had worked for the Illinois Tollway for the past two years.
“The Illinois Tollway Board and all Tollway staff are devastated by the loss of one of our Illinois Tollway roadway maintenance workers,” Tollway officials said in a written statement. “Roadway workers, police officers and everyday motorists are too often hurt, injured or worse because drivers are not following the Move Over Law. The Tollway reminds everyone to slow down and change lanes safely when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights on the road.”
Officials were referring to Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to either move over one lane or reduce speed when passing a stopped vehicle displaying flashing lights on the roadside.
Data from the Emergency Responder Safety Institute shows that 31 emergency responders were struck and killed while working on roadsides last year. The year before, that number reached 46.
Illinois State Police have recorded nine Scott’s Law-related crashes on Illinois highways so far in 2026.