Man charged after intentionally driving into pedestrians near suburban middle school: police

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- An 18-year-old Carpentersville man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after intentionally driving into three pedestrians near a suburban middle school over the weekend, police said.

Julian Cruz has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in connection with the crash, Carpentersville police said.

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Police said Cruz drove into three pedestrians after a physical altercation Saturday night near Carpentersville Middle School, located at 100 Cleveland Ave., before driving away.

All three were taken to local hospitals for treatment. One suffered life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Police arrested Cruz Sunday without incident.

The victims knew Cruz; police said the crash was an isolated incident.

Anyone with additional information on the crash is encouraged to call the Carpentersville Police Department Investigations Division at (847) 551-3481.