Court Grants State’s Motion to Detain West Chicago Man Charged with Leaving Scene of a Fatal Crash

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Chief of Police Princeton Youker announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State's motion to deny pre-trial release for a West Chicago man accused of leaving the scene of a crash that claimed the life of an eighty-five-year-old female resident of Winfield. Ryan Devine (d.o.b. 3/8/1981) of the 1N 700 block of Prince Crossing Road, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Reckless Homicide (Class 3 Felony) one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Personal Injury or Death (Class 4 Felony) one count of Obstructing Justice (Class 4 Felony) and numerous Misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including Speeding 35+ mph Over Limit and Disobey a Traffic Control Device.

On November 6, 2024, at approximately 1:16 p.m., Wheaton police officers responded to a traffic crash at County Farm Road and the DuPage County Complex entrance north of Manchester Road. Upon their arrival officers observed a Jeep Wrangler, allegedly driven by Devine, with significant damage to the front and front passenger side, and a Honda CRV in the southbound lanes with significant front-end damage and front passenger side damage. Following an investigation into the crash, authorities determined that the Honda was northbound on County Farm Road, waiting to make a left-hand turn into the county complex at the County Campus "main entrance" traffic light. It was further determined that the green arrow was illuminated for northbound traffic on County Farm to complete their turn into the County Complex while the southbound traffic on County Farm had a solid red light.

It is alleged that as the victim's Honda was making its left-hand turn into the county complex, Devine, who was traveling southbound on County Farm Road at a speed of 82 mph in a 35-mph zone five seconds before the crash, ignored the solid red light and crashed into the passenger side of the Honda. It is alleged that after the crash, Devine had fled the scene on foot but was located on the north side of Manchester Road west of County Farm Road just minutes later by authorities. It is further alleged that when taken into custody, Devine gave the authorities a false name and resisted arrest. The driver and passenger of the Honda were both immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention. The passenger was pronounced deceased a short time later at the hospital while the driver was later discharged.

"Mr. Devine's alleged reckless driving on a busy road that travels through the middle of the County complex in the middle of the day demonstrates his complete disregard for public safety," Berlin said. "To the family and friends of the victim, I offer my sincerest condolences on their tragic loss. Experiencing the sudden, heartbreaking loss of a loved one is devastating and I wish them solace and strength as they continue their lives with just their memories to see them through. I commend the Wheaton Police Department for their outstanding work on this case and for apprehending the suspect as he allegedly attempted to flee. I thank DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and his deputies and the MERIT Major Crash Reconstruction Team for their assistance as well as Assistant State's Attorneys Adam Frahm and Michael Paup for their efforts in preparing charges against Mr. Devine."

"The alleged actions of Mr. Devine are reprehensible and resulted in a needless loss of life," Chief Youker said. "This was a horrific crash and may have been worse if not for the quick response of Sheriff Mendrick's deputies and our police officers who rendered aid to the injured and apprehended Mr. Devine when he allegedly fled on foot. Our officers and detectives worked diligently with the State's Attorney's Office for close to two days to ensure the appropriate criminal charges were secured against Mr. Devine for his alleged involvement in this fatal crash. I would like to thank the DuPage County Sheriff's Office, State's Attorney Robert Berlin's Office and the M.E.R.I.T. Major Crash Reconstruction Team for their assistance in this incident.

Devine's next court appearance is scheduled for December 2, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.

Notice to Public: The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant's guilt. Constitutionally, a defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government's burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ryan Devine of West Chicago