Violence, Confusion Erupt After Fatal Aurora Crash: Cops

AURORA, IL — An 18-year-old man is dead after he was fatally struck by a car in Aurora Friday night. Police say Demaszjae Miller was running across Highland when he was fatally hit by a woman, 40, who was driving a 2018 Chevy Tahoe.

The teen's death allegedly caused an eruption of violence from his loved ones and led to what Aurora Police Chief Kristin Ziman described as "misinformation." Ziman released the following statement regarding Miller's death:

"Last night just before 8:00 p.m., APD responded to a report of suspects breaking into cars in the 800 block of Taylor Ave. When police arrived on the scene, they were attempting to gather the facts and a witness advised APD that the car burglars were running through the backyards. One of the suspects, the 18 year old man, ran into the street on Highland Ave., and into the path of a passing vehicle and was struck. Unfortunately, that young man passed away from his injuries.

APD did not shoot anyone.
APD wasn't pursuing anyone.
APD did not strike the man with a squad car.
Facts matter, friends. We are so sorry that a life was lost but I will not allow misinformation to be circulated.
Please keep the family of the 18-year-old in your thoughts as well as the driver of the vehicle. This is a terrible tragedy."

Police say Miller and two other males were fleeing from a vehicle burglary in the 800 block of Taylor Avenue when Miller was struck by the Tahoe. Miller, of the 800 block of North View Street was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after 9:30 p.m.

Aurora police say Miller's family became "irate" while at the hospital. Two family members, a juvenile boy and a man,"battered" an Aurora police sergeant and jumped on the window of a squad car, smashing it, according to police. The juvenile and the man were both apprehended and charged.

According to police, the woman who is accused of fatally hitting Miller was in the car with her 14-year-old son at the time of the crash. Police said she was treated at the scene after experiencing a panic attack, but was not hospitalized and is not expected to be charged. Her 14-year-old son was not hurt.

A witness reportedly saw two other male suspects run across Highland before Miller was hit. Police believe Miller and the two others, who remain unidentified, were the same subjects seen by the resident on Taylor who originally called 911.

Images courtesy of Aurora Police Department