Two young men were killed early Wednesday when the vehicle they were in slammed into a tree in south suburban Park Forest.
Police said three people were joyriding in a stolen vehicle, speeding through the community at about 12:30 a.m. An officer spotted them but lost them before she could give chase, police said. That officer came upon the crash moments later, just in time to see the driver of the car running away.
"They learned that a subject was in an area hospital with injuries consistent to a car accident," said Park Forest Police Chief Peter Green. "They went there and they took a 22-year-old man into custody."
Neighbors said the area near the crash site at Algonquin Road and Western Avenue can be dangerous with all of the traffic that comes through. One resident said speed bumps should be installed in the area, given the proximity to a school.
Those who knew the crash victims returned to the area Wednesday afternoon as crews were cleaning up the damaged tree and light pole.
One person said one of the victims was his brother.
"I had to see it. I had to see it for myself," said Jakai White. "I didn't see it last night."
