Driver Who Fled Crash, Ran From Cops Found 'Soaking Wet And Muddy': Tinley Park PD

TINLEY PARK, IL — A Justice man was charged after running from the scene of a crash Tuesday afternoon and dodging police pursuing him, police said Wednesday.

Police were called Tuesday afternoon to a report of a three-vehicle crash with injuries at 183rd and LaGrange Road. The driver of one car got out and ran, leading police northbound on LaGrange Road.

A perimeter was established and police K9s were called in, but heavy rains complicated their tracking efforts, police said, and the search was called off around 3 p.m.

Police later received a call from Premier Suburban Medical Group at 171st and LaGrange Road, reporting a "soaking wet and muddy" man in their lobby, police said.

The man was identified as the driver sought after the crash, according to police.

Brandon Wheat, 35, was taken into custody and charged with driving on a suspended license, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and no insurance. Wheat was also wanted on warrants in Cook, Kankakee and McLean counties.