Driver fatally shoots himself after crashing into bus and cars, injuring 14 in Oak Park: officials

OAK PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- A driver took his own life after crashing into multiple vehicles, leaving 14 people injured in the west suburbs on Friday morning, officials said.

The village of Oak Park's chief communications officer said a Toyota 4Runner's driver was heading southbound on Harlem Avenue and ran through a red light at Lake Street just before 9 a.m.

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Investigators believe the Toyota's driver swerved into the northbound lane to avoid a pedestrian in the walkway and struck four other cars and a Pace bus.

Multiple witnesses called 911, and a good Samaritan checked on the driver, village officials said. When the good Samaritan stepped away from the Toyota, they heard a gunshot, prompting additional 911 calls.

Village officials said the Toyota's driver had shot himself in the head. The first Oak Park police officer to arrive on the scene saw the driver slumped over with a very apparent wound and a gun on the Toyota's floorboard.

The Toyota's driver was pronounced dead on the scene. Officials later identified him as a 48-year-old Plainfield man.

At least 14 people from the other vehicles were injured, including 11 who were hospitalized. No serious injuries have been reported.

Reginald Featherston had been waiting at the bus stop just moments before the collision.

"I'm glad I wasn't crossing that intersection," Featherston said.

Luis Acosta's cousin and another person were in a box van hit by the SUV. He says the men were heading to a construction job when the unthinkable happened.

"He told me the guy was coming fast, and he crossed and hit the car and the van, then he shot himself," Acosta said.

Morning commuters were left in shock.

"I was devastated. I couldn't believe it happened. I couldn't believe that he ran the light," said Mary Partee, who lives in the neighborhood.

"Thirty-three years I've been living around here and never really seen anything like this," said Amanda Healy.

River Forest Police Department cameras in the area showed what appeared to be Cremeens driving at a high rate of speed before the crash happened, Oak Park officials said.

The scene remained active for several hours, and streets reopened around 2 p.m.

Authorities say the incident is still under investigation. Officials did not immediately provide further information.

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