Reckless Homicide Charges Filed In Fatal Crash On County Farm Road

WHEATON, IL — A West Chicago man was charged with reckless homicide in connection with a crash that killed an 85-year-old Winfield woman on County Farm Road Wednesday.

In addition to felony reckless homicide, Ryan Devine, 43, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury or death and obstructing justice. He is being held in DuPage County Jail on pre-trial detention.

Wheaton police were called to County Farm Road around 1:16 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a crash that had taken place near the north entrance of the county complex by Manchester Road.

Officers reported finding a Honda CRV with "significant front-end damage and front passenger side damage" in the road's southbound lanes, a news release said. They also observed a Jeep Wrangler with damage on its passenger side and front.

The Jeep had been driven by Devine, prosecutors say. According to police, the Honda had been driving north on County Farm and got the signal to turn left into the county complex. Devine is accused of speeding at 82 miles per hour in a zone marked with a 35 mph speed limit and disregarding the red light at the intersection.

Devine is accused of hitting the Honda with his Jeep and then trying to flee by foot. He was found by police shortly after the crash and is accused of giving a fake name to officers.

The Honda's driver and 85-year-old female passenger were taken to a nearby hospital, where the woman was pronounced dead. The driver was released from the hospital later that day.

Mr. Devine’s alleged reckless driving on a busy road that travels through the middle of the County complex in the middle of the day demonstrates his complete disregard for public safety,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin added,“To the family and friends of the victim, I offer my sincerest condolences on their tragic loss. Experiencing the sudden, heartbreaking loss of a loved one is devastating and I wish them solace and strength as they continue their lives with just their memories to see them through."

Devine is set to appear in court Dec. 2.