ROLLING MEADOWS, IL — Police have released the identity of the 18-year-old driver killed Wednesday night in a crash. Emilio D. Garcia, of Elgin, was pronounced dead at the scene where he had crashed his car following an attempted traffic stop earlier by Rolling Meadows police.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy as an investigation into the incident continues.
RELATED: 18-Year-Old Driver Killed After Attempted Traffic Stop In Rolling Meadows — Police
According to Rolling Meadows police, the incident began around 9:48 p.m. when an officer in a marked squad car was stopped at a red light on southbound Rohlwing Road at Euclid Avenue. The officer saw a vehicle traveling westbound on Euclid Avenue without headlights.
The officer made a U-turn and attempted to initiate a stop as the vehicle continued north on Rohlwing Road. Police said the officer was unable to close the distance as the vehicle traveled past Stonegate Boulevard and then east onto Industrial Avenue.
Authorities said the officer lost sight of the vehicle, ended the attempted stop and turned off emergency lights. A short time later, the officer heard a loud noise and began searching the area, described by police as a secluded industrial corridor.
The vehicle was later found crashed and partially submerged in a stormwater detention area of 3550 Industrial Ave., police said. Rescue personnel removed Garcia from the car, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
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