Man whose SUV hit Clayton diners was illegal immigrant

CLATYON, Mo. (AP) -- A 23-year-old man whose SUV went out of control and slammed into a restaurant's outdoor dining area, injuring three patrons, is an illegal alien from Mexico, authorities said.

The accident happened Tuesday in suburban St. Louis. Driver Sergio Lopez told authorities he was blinded by the sun and lost control of his Ford Expedition, which crashed into Il Vicino restaurant.

Ann Stockton, 62, and James Travaglini, 63, were treated at a hospital and released. Travaglini's wife, Kathryn, 54, was admitted to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in fair condition.

Lopez also had minor injuries from the crash. He was ticketed for driving without a license, no proof of insurance and making an improper turn.

Immigration Customs Enforcement issued a federal detainment order on Lopez. He was to be held at the St. Louis County Justice Center upon his release from the hospital.

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Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com