Charges Filed in Crash That Killed Girl, 5

Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento, 5, was walking on the sidewalk when a car struck her

A Highland Park woman was charged Wednesday in connection with a crash that killed a 5-year-old girl earlier in the week.

Carly Rousso, 18, of the 2300 block of Woodpath Lane in the northern suburb, faces a charge of driving under the influence. Authorities said she was driving the car that jumped a curb Monday afternoon and plowed into a family walking on the sidewalk.

Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento, 5, was killed. Her mother and two brothers were also injured.

Authorities said additional charges may be brought against Rousso pending the outcome of blood and urine analysis.

"Everybody was a little upset because last night the news said the girl wasn't charged, I mean, she didn't have any charges for what she did, and now we hear this. It's a relief," said family friend Fidel Flores.

The announcement of charges came just a couple of hours after Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering issued a letter to residents expressing her frustration at the pace of the investigation.

"This case, like other similar cases, is handled by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office. The
decision to file charges is made by the Lake County State’s Attorney," she wrote. "The City Council, staff and I are frustrated by the delayed manner in which this case is being handled. Releasing the driver with no restrictions was a decision of the State’s Attorney. This was a mistake and we are demanding an explanation."

In response to the tragedy, parents and teachers of North Shore District 112 set up a fund in Jaclyn's name to help her family with medical costs. Jaclyn was an Indian Trail kindergarten student.

Rousso is due in court Sept. 21.

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