Our Chicago DUI Lawyers have learned of an accident involving a cabbie who was allegedly drunk driving when he missed an exit and struck two homeless people.

Police: Drunken cabbie hits two homeless people on Lake Shore Drive

An allegedly drunk cab driver was arrested after missing an exit on Lake Shore Drive and striking two homeless people sleeping in a park early Friday in the Uptown neighborhood on the North Side.

Mangistie Asressie, 71, of the 700 block of West Waveland Avenue was charged Friday with felony counts of aggravated DUI resulting in bodily injury and leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, according to police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli.

He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, and cited for failure to keep in proper lanes.

About 5 a.m., the cabbie was driving a Ford Crown Victoria southbound on Lake Shore Drive when he tried to exit at Lawrence Avenue, but missed, according to a Lincoln District police sergeant.

News Affairs Officer Robert Perez said the allegedly drunken cabbie went off the road near 4801 N. Lake Shore Dr. onto park property, where he struck a guardrail and a pole, then ran into some shrubs, Perez said.

On the other side of the shrubs, a 40-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both homeless, were sleeping. “He struck them both,’’ Perez said.

The sergeant said the driver fled the scene but police gave chase and arrested him at West Foster Avenue and North Marine Drive.

The homeless man suffered a broken collarbone and cracked ribs, and was transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition.

The woman was also taken to Masonic, where she was in good condition. It was not clear what kind of injuries she suffered. “She was walking around and about’’ after the crash, Perez said.

The driver did not complain of injuries, and had no passengers in the cab at the time, Perez said.

The Law Offices of James E. Fabbrini have years of experience protecting people charged with drunk driving. From first time offenders to felony DUI, our Chicago DUI lawyers have successfully fought DUI charges in Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Protect your freedom, avoid trouble, and save yourself money. Contact our office today. All consultations are absolutely free. Call us at (312) 494-3131 or e-mail us your questions at Contact@WindyCityLawFirm.com