A 43-year-old woman from the north suburbs has been arrested and charged with reckless homicide after she allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian while driving and livestreaming on TikTok. The charged individual, Tynesha McCarty-Wroten of Zion, also faces the charge of aggravated use of an electronic communication device in connection with the November 3rd accident that led to the death of 59-year-old Darren Lucas, according to NBC Chicago.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Sheridan Road and 33rd Street around 5:46 p.m., as Lucas was crossing the street after finishing his shift at a local grocery store. Initial reports claimed McCarty-Wroten stayed at the scene, cooperated with police, and volunteered that she believed she had a green light and didn't see the pedestrian. Arrested with an 8-year-old in the car, investigators requested to search her cell phone, which she initially declined, as detailed by police. Surveillance video later contradicted this by showing her vehicle running a red light and failing to slow down or change course before hitting Lucas, ABC7 Chicago adds.
Further tightening the noose of the investigation, members of the public reached out to the Zion police, pointing to a TikTok video that seemingly captured McCarty-Wroten engaging in a livestream while driving at the time of the incident. Zion police, upon receiving the surrendered phone through her attorney, confirmed the video's authenticity with forensic analysis matching the date and time of the crash. McCarty-Wroten has since been taken into custody and held at Lake County Jail pending her first court appearance.
Before surrendering, McCarty-Wroten was seen packing several bags and leaving her home, explained Zion police, but was apprehended without incident. "The Zion Police Department extends its deepest condolences to those affected by this tragic yet avoidable incident," police said in a release. "It is our hope that all who read this are starkly reminded to put down the phone when driving, lives very literally depend on it," the statement continued, as reported by NBC Chicago. The case continues with McCarty-Wroten expected in court again for the following hearing.
