Active church member and family man struck in intersection while out running errands. NBC 5’s Susan Carlson reports.
The victim of a fatal crash in Elgin Tuesday that police say was caused by a man on a parole violation fleeing from officers, is being remembered as a loving family man.
Miguel Tellez, 35, of Carpentersville, was killed when his vehicle was hit at the intersection of North Liberty Street and Jefferson Avenue.
Police say officers tried to pull over 35-year-old Steven Luellen on a traffic violation but he refused, instead driving four blocks away, blowing through at stop sign and causing the fatal crash.
Luellen remains hospitalized in serious condition under police guard. His passenger, 35-year-old Josette Jarvis, was listed in critical condition and is too injured to speak with police.
"We're focusing on that individual to determine what caused him to drive that way. Those interviews are going to be conducted and finished," Elgin Police Cmdr. Glenn Theriault said.
Friends say the victim of the crash was a family man who loved people.
"He always have a smile for everybody. He said hi to everybody. He never talked about anybody," Lucy Arellano said.
Tellez lived with his parents, a younger sister and an adult sister and her family. He was active in his church where he played guitar in the choir. Friends say he was running errands when he was hit in the intersection.
Police say officers did not try to chase Luellen after he refused to pull over. Charges are expected Thursday.
