Family Devastated After Drunk Driver Crashes into Home, Sparks Fire

A family remains devastated after a fire, sparked by an out-of-control driver crashing into their home, destroyed almost everything they owned.

Neighbors watched in horror as pictures, keepsakes and basically everything the Racho family owned went up in flames.

“I looked out of my window and could see flames rising up,” said neighbor Lori Twaddle. “She didn't even have her purse, her daughter-I don't know how old she was-didn't have any shoes on,” Twaddle said.

Two townhomes in the Lake County subdivision on the 400 block of Patriot Drive were deemed uninhabitable after the massive fire. One of the townhomes in Hainesville completely collapsed in the fire.

Adam Bileck, of Kenosha, Wis., was charged with two felony counts of driving under the influence and one misdemeanor count of leaving the scene of a crash in connection with the Friday accident, according to Grayslake police. He was held on $350,000 bond Sunday.

But in the wake of devastation, an outpouring of goodness grew.

From the grade school one of the Racho kids attends, to an online fundraising site that's raised more than $10,000 dollars, the Hainesville community is determined to help this family rebuild.

“I talked to [Lieka] Racho and she's so grateful,” said neighbor Ryan Crothers.

At Emil's Tavern in Grayslake, a waitress donated all her tips to the Racho family. And her husband’s construction company matched her donation.

On Monday, the owner of Emil's plans to donate 10 percent of the restaurant’s sales to the family.

“It means a lot to help them,” Bob Bowes of Emil's Tavern.

And supporters continue to lend hands through shelter and donations. The city of Hainesville is even collecting clothes for the family.

“I hope they find comfort in knowing people will be there when you need them” said Twaddle.
 

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