Community Corner

Police Not Seeking Suspect in Crash That Killed Toddler

Meanwhile, funds are being raised for the local family who is expecting a new baby soon.

CARPENTERSVILLE, IL - The Carpentersville Police Department is not seeking a suspect in a tragic collision that claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy in Carpentersville Monday morning, police said. Authorities have not released much more information into the incident that occurred in the 1000 block of Deer Creek Drive at about 9:43 a.m. Authorities said neither a reckless vehicle nor speeding contributed to the crash but have not released many more details.

"No one is in custody at this time and the police department is not looking for an offender," according to a post on the Carpentersville Police Department Facebook page.

ABC 7 Chicago reported there was no driver in the truck when it rolled down the street and hit 2-year-old Levi Cruz.

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After striking the toddler, the gray Ram pickup truck drove off the road and ended up in a wetland retention area, according to the Northwest Herald.

Neighbor Vincente Mendez told the Northwest Herald he called police after hearing the crash and witnessing the truck go into the retention pond. He then headed to the scene of the crash where he saw the victim lying in the grass and the mother and grandmother, who were inconsolable.

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Authorities are not releasing much more into the incident as an investigation is ongoing, according to the police department's Facebook post.

Levi was the son of Susi and Joe Cruz, according,to a GoFundMe page set up to help raise funds for the family. Susi is eight months pregnant and the family is expecting a new baby, who they plan to name Dahlia, soon.

"(Levi) was excited to be a big brother..." Angie Vilchis of Woodstock wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Levi Cruz/Photo credit: GoFundMe

Levi is being remembered as a happy and adventurous boy who loved the farm, his loyal dog, "playing with his adoring mommy" and "being just like his daddy," Vilchis said.

"He is loved and desperately missed," she added.

As of Tuesday evening, over $1,600has been raised on the GoFundMe page. The money raised will go to the local family "to ease their burden and help them pay for their unexpected expenses."

Those wishing to donate can do so on the GoFundMe page.


Photo via GoFundMe

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