SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – The driver of the car who slammed a barrel through a building used in a popular after-school camp in central Illinois and used to kill three children and teenagers was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and could have had a medical emergency.
Illinois State Police Chief Brendan F. Kelly said at a press conference that Illinois State Police Brendan F. Kelly had no decision on whether to file charges against the 44-year-old driver. The driver is not in custody, Kelly said.
The evidence that she may have had a medical emergency is “inconclusive” and the investigation is ongoing, Kelly said.
The car went off the road on Monday, crossing the field and crashed into the side of a Chatham building used by young people who need something else outside, also known as Ynot. It traveled through the building and surprised people before leaving the other side.
Six other children were hospitalized. A state police spokesman said four people remain hospitalized after a press conference Thursday.
The murdered were 18-year-old Riley Britton, Ainsley Johnson, 8, Kathryn Corey, 7, and seven-year-olds of Springfield.
Related Stories
The driver was not injured, but was taken to hospital for evaluation after crash, Kelly said. She spontaneously submitted blood and urine samples and tested negative for drugs and alcohol, he said.
“Some evidence has been developed to show possible medical emergencies leading up to the crash,” Kel said. “However, we have not yet concluded this information or other evidence, so it will continue until all leads and research is used up.”
He has not detailed descriptions of possible health issues or provided evidence that researchers have shown that a medical emergency has occurred. He would also not say if the driver was conscious and wary when the emergency responder reached her.
Security camera footage showed that the vehicle was “a considerable distance” when it left the road, said Jamie Loftus, founder of YNOT Outdoors. Loftus said earlier this week. The vehicle then crossed a gravel road and collided with a pole and a fence.
Kelly said the vehicle moved over 1,300 feet, but it was nothing elaborate and he wouldn’t say how fast the vehicle was moving.
He said he could not provide a timeline to complete the investigation, and that the charges would be up to the Sangamon County state lawyers if necessary.
By John O’Connor
