An Aurora man is being held on multiple charges following a wrong-way driving incident on the Dan Ryan Expressway that resulted in a fatal five-vehicle collision last Friday evening. Juan Ruiz-Huerta, 29, was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and aggravated battery after prosecutors said he deliberately drove against traffic in a bid to intimidate a woman who later died in the crash.

The victim, 28-year-old Victory A. Swanigan of Chicago, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another driver involved in the collision suffered serious injuries, including multiple rib fractures and a liver laceration. Ruiz-Huerta is due back in court on August 19, following a judge’s order to keep him in custody during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.

Prosecutors outlined that Ruiz-Huerta had been romantically pursuing Swanigan for several months prior to the incident. On the day of the crash, Ruiz-Huerta arranged and paid for Swanigan’s hair appointment before picking her up. They allegedly began arguing over the status of their relationship shortly afterward.

Around 5:30 p.m. on July 31, Ruiz-Huerta entered the northbound lanes of Interstate 94 near the 63rd Street area and encountered slowing traffic near 31st Street. During this time, Swanigan reportedly screamed for help. Ruiz-Huerta then executed a U-turn and began driving southbound against traffic in the northbound lanes at high speeds.

During the ordeal, Swanigan was recorded on a FaceTime call with a friend pleading for Ruiz-Huerta to slow down, let her out, and expressing fear for her life. She reportedly told her friend that she had three children she wanted to see again and that Ruiz-Huerta was trying to kill her. The friend, who had Swanigan’s location, attempted to get closer to her in an effort to intervene.

Surveillance footage from the Chicago Transit Authority showed Ruiz-Huerta swerving across multiple lanes and speeding on the expressway, eventually colliding head-on with another northbound vehicle in the express lanes. The crash propelled Ruiz-Huerta’s vehicle over the concrete median, flipping it into the local lanes. Witnesses reported that the other driver attempted to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful.

Data retrieved from Ruiz-Huerta’s vehicle black box indicated he was traveling at speeds exceeding 85 mph just seconds before impact and did not apply the brakes during the incident. Toxicology reports showed no evidence of alcohol or drugs in his system.

According to prosecutors, Swanigan’s friend described Ruiz-Huerta’s behavior in the weeks leading up to the crash as alarming and consistent with stalking, including following Swanigan’s movements and appearing uninvited at her residence.

Ruiz-Huerta admitted he drove the wrong way intentionally after an argument with Swanigan and acknowledged hearing her pleas to stop. He reportedly told authorities he placed her in danger to force a response regarding their relationship. His attorney has not publicly commented on the charges.