Former Cop Gets 10 Years for Fatal Wrong-Way Crash

Terrell Garrett was charged in the March 15 Lake Shore Drive crash that killed two men

A former North Chicago police officer was sentenced to 10 years Friday for driving the wrong way on Lake Shore Drive in 2013 and causing a fatal crash.

Terrell Garrett was charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence and two counts of reckless homicide in connection with the March 15 crash that killed Joaquin Garcia and Fabian Torres.

Police said Garrett was in an SUV that crashed into a Jeep and a Toyota Scion at about 4 a.m. that day in the southbound lanes at Diversey Parkway.

Garcia and Torres died in the Jeep, which had flipped on its side, officials said.

"I wish I would have died instead of him," Garcia's grandmother, Maria Laboy, said in court Friday through a translator.

"Children should bury us," Garcia's uncle, Julian Garcia, said looking straight at Garrett. "We're not supposed to bury them. I hope you learn something from this."

Police said Garrett likely got onto Lake Shore Drive at LaSalle Drive. Witnesses said he was traveling at speeds of 60 miles per hour or more.

Eve Yeaton, who also was injured that night, said she hasn't been able to work and sees a long list of therapists for PTSD and concussion.

"In my heart, Terrell, I would like you to know I forgive you," she said. "None of us want to be in this situation including you."

Garrett, who joined the North Chicago Police Department in 2008, was off-duty at the time of the crash. He was arrested and immediately placed on administrative leave.

When he posted bail the families of both victims said he was being protected because he is an officer.

Contact Us