Man charged with involuntary manslaughter in fatal crash in Belvidere

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WIFR) – Investigators are asking for help finding the family of a woman who died in a crash in Belvidere on Saturday.

On Saturday, September 28, at approximately 8:30 p.m., first responders responded to a crash between a 2004 Chevrolet Express van and a 2015 GMC Sierra on U.S. Route 20 east of Farmington Way.

Both vehicles sustained significant damage in the collision.

A 44-year-old woman in the Chevrolet van was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the van, whom authorities identified as Jesus Mendoza-Paz, 37, of Mundelein, was taken to an area hospital where he was treated and released.

The driver of the GMC Sierra received medical attention at the scene.

Belvidere investigators reported seeing signs of impairment on the Mendoza-Paz Road and said they have opened a driving under the influence investigation. Mendoza-Paz was later arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

If convicted of a Class 3 felony, Mendoza-Paz faces two to five years in prison. According to police, he is being held in the Boone County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are possible.

Anyone who knows the 44-year-old woman's family is asked to contact the Boone County Coroner's Office at 815-544-4470. Her identity has not been released by officials at this time.

Belvidere police are asking anyone with information about the accident to contact them or the Boon County Crime Stoppers at 815-547-7867.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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