Man Accused Of Causing Crash During Argument With Passenger

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A 68-year-old man faces charges after he purposefully crashed his car into a tree after getting into an argument with a passenger Wednesday morning.

Authorities say the driver told the passenger, a 38-year-old Zion woman who he is in a relationship with, he was going to end their lives and then, while traveling east on 29th Street at Lone Oak Road in Beach Park, accelerated his car, veered off the roadway and crashed into a tree, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office responded to the collision at about 7:45 a.m. Wednesday and found the Nissan Murano with significant damage. Both the driver and passenger were taken to an area hospital with serious injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to police.

Police say the man and woman were arguing with each other prior to the incident.

The man, who remains hospitalized, has been charged with aggravated domestic battery and reckless conduct. Police say that additional charges are possible.

The driver’s name is being withheld until he is discharged from the hospital. He will then be placed into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail.