Man Faces Reckless Homicide Charge In Collision That Killed Pedestrian

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A 40-year-old Ingleside man faces a reckless homicide charge in connection with allegations he was under the influence of drugs when he swerved off Route 59 in Ingleside and hit a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, Michael Brennan, 53, was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in critical condition following the collision in June 2021. He was pronounced dead five days later, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

After several interviews with people who witnessed the crash, vehicle inspections and analysis of the crash scene, authorities filed charges against Brian J. King, 40, who is accused of hitting Brennan with his vehicle.

The charges come after one witness told police he saw a Chrysler headed north on Route 59 swerve off the roadway prior to the crash at about 6:40 p.m. on June 11, 2021. As the black Chrysler 300 approached Stanton Pointe Road in Ingleside, it left its lane and hit Brennan, who was walking in the grass and gravel near the shoulder of the road, the witness said, according to police.

When officers arrived at the scene, police said they found King's car. On Monday, authorities issued a warrant for King's arrest. Police said he had "numerous drugs in his system" at the time of the crash.

King is charged with aggravated driving with any amount of drug in breath, blood or urine, aggravated driving under the influence causing death, and reckless homicide.

He remains behind bars at the Lake County Jail on a $500,000 bail.

King is next expected in court on May 2.