Van Crashes Into Day Care Center

Earl Nichols charged with DUI, police say

The driver of a van that slammed into a day care center on Chicago's west side on Wednesday night was under the influence, police said.

Witnesses said the driver of a 1999 Dodge van, identified by authorities as Earl Nichols, smashed into a fire hydrant and two other cars before hitting Rachel's Learning Center, on the 3400 block of West Roosevelt Road, just before 6 p.m.

Police said Nichols did not flee the scene. The 50-year-old, of the 3100 block of West Fillmore Street, was charged with driving under the influence, criminal damage to property, driving on a suspended license and driving without insurance.

The building was empty at the time of the crash.

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