Driver Charged After Crashing Into Crystal Lake Home, Paralyzing Resident

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A 27-year-old Crystal Lake man accused of running his car into a home in Crystal Lake in July now faces criminal charges in McHenry County.

Connor C. Kirkpatrick remains hospitalized with "significant injuries" he sustained from the crash, which happened at about 7 p.m. July 27 in the 100 block of Heather Drive in Crystal Lake. Earlier this month, authorities said Kirkpatrick suffered a medical condition that left him unable to communicate with anyone, and also left "several questions" unanswered regarding the collision.

On Tuesday, authorities said a warrant has been issued for Kirkpatrick's arrest, which will be served following Kirkpatrick's release from the hospital. He has been charged with aggravated reckless driving, reckless conduct and criminal damage to property over $100,000 in connection with the collision into the Crystal Lake home.

Authorities did not provide any information regarding why exactly the reckless driving and damage to property charges were filed in connection with the case.

At about 7 p.m. on July 27, Kirkpatrick's sport utility vehicle crashed into a detached garage and a house in the 100 block of Heather Drive. The SUV was heading east on Ballard Road when it went through the intersection at Briarwood Drive and, for unknown reasons, left the roadway and hit the home.

Kirkpatrick was extricated by Crystal Lake Fire/Rescue and flown to Condell Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

• SUV Crashes Into House, 2 Seriously Hurt In Crystal Lake

Angelo Pleotis, 64, who lived at the residence, became trapped inside and had to be freed from the wreckage. Pleotis was in the shower when the vehicle hit his house. He was flown to Advocate Condell Medical Center, according to the Lake/McHenry Scanner.

Pleotis suffered collapsed lungs, broken ribs, head trauma, lacerations and two spinal fracture dislocations, which caused paralysis.

As of Tuesday, more than $92,000 has been raised to help pay for rehab, doctor's bills, home improvements and other expenses, according to a GoFundMe set up to help cover the costs.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.

The Crystal Lake Police Department is encouraging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Crystal Lake Police Department at 815-356-3620. In addition, anyone with a cell phone can send an anonymous tip to the Crystal Lake Police Department by texting the word CLPDTIP along with the tip information to 847411 (tip411).