A black SUV plowed into a group of Lake County correctional officers Tuesday night, killing one woman instantly and injuring the others, Lake County Sheriff John Buncich said. The vehicle fled the scene and police throughout the county continue searching for the driver.
The four had just completed their shift and were jogging on 93rd Avenue north of the Lake County Government Complex about 7 p.m. when they were hit by the SUV.
"It’s terrible, just terrible," Buncich said. The sheriff said he hopes surveillance video from nearby buildings will help catch the driver.
One victim was taken to the Methodist Hospitals Southlake campus but was expected to be flown to a trauma center in Indianapolis, the sheriff said.
One female victim was being treated at St. Anthony Medical Center for a broken arm and possible internal injuries.
Lake County Deputy Police Chief Dan Murchek’s son was one of the victims. He suffered a broken leg, sources said.
Crown Point accident reconstruction specialists were assisting Lake County detectives in the investigation.
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“There’s a lot of evidence at the scene,” Buncich said. A mirror and other debris from the suspect SUV were being collected.
The Lake County chaplains were summoned to the department to help officers with counseling.
“All the detectives are out there,” he said.
Police said Wednesday they're looking for a dark-colored, possibly black SUV or pickup truck with a missing passenger-side mirror, a missing or damaged headlight and possible missing paint.
