Teen Driver Charged In 2017 Plainfield Fatality

PLAINFIELD, IL - The Kendall County Sheriff's Department has filed reckless homicide charges against a teenage driver in connection with the March 14, 2017 death of 16-year-old Alyssa Smith. The traffic fatality occurred last March around 5 p.m. near Walker and Arbeiter Roads in unincorporated Plainfield when a car collided with a utility pole. At the scene, deputies from the Kendall County Sheriff's Department found the driver, who was 16, and her 16-year-old passenger. Plainfield paramedics rushed Smith by ambulance to Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet where she later died, according to police.

At the time of her death, Smith was a sophomore at Plainfield South.

On Tuesday, March 13, Kendall County filed formal charges against the driver, who is now 17 years old. She faces a charge of reckless homicide, aggravated reckless driving and aggravated unlawful use of an electronic communication device.

The 17-year-old has been taken into custody at the Kendall County Jail where she was booked and released, pending her next court appearance, sheriff's officials said.

Because the driver is a minor, her name was not released by sheriff's officials.

ORIGINAL STORY: Plainfield Teen Killed 'Always Had Smile On Her Face'

File image via Plainfield Patch