On April 24, 2025, Park City police say 30-year-old Francisco R. Martinez-Perales led officers on a pursuit after a 911 caller reported a driver nearly striking children playing on a sidewalk. The 2012 Jeep Patriot allegedly backed into a squad car, struck multiple police vehicles and crashed near Teske Boulevard and Old Plank Road. Martinez-Perales was hospitalized, displayed signs of intoxication and refused a DUI kit; he now faces multiple felony charges and remains in custody pending a July 8 hearing.
Park City Man Accused Of Nearly Hitting Children, Ramming Patrol Cars During Chaotic Chase
Image Credit: LMCS and Park City, Illinois Facebook
Park City, Ill. — A 30-year-old man has been accused of a reckless high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood that nearly struck children on a sidewalk and ended when his vehicle collided with multiple police cars and crashed.
What Happened
Authorities say the incident began on the evening of April 24, 2025, when Park City police received a 911 call at about 7:15 p.m. reporting a motorist running stop signs and nearly hitting children who were playing on the sidewalk. Officers located a vehicle matching the description — a 2012 Jeep Patriot — and attempted a traffic stop.
According to police, the driver, later identified as Francisco R. Martinez-Perales, 30, of Park City, sped away instead of stopping, prompting a pursuit. At one point, an officer positioned a squad car across Teske Boulevard to block the Jeep. Investigators say the vehicle initially stopped, allowing an officer to identify the driver, but the Jeep then shifted into reverse and allegedly backed into a Park City squad car with its emergency lights activated and an officer inside.
Police allege Martinez-Perales circled past another patrol vehicle and continued southbound, weaving between lanes and striking police cars multiple times before the pursuit ended in a crash near Teske Boulevard and Old Plank Road.
Injuries, Hospitalization And Investigation
Martinez-Perales was injured in the crash and transported by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. One officer was also taken to a hospital but was released the same day. At the medical facility, investigators reported Martinez-Perales had bloodshot, watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol; he refused to submit to a DUI kit when requested by detectives.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Nicholas Shepherd said officers acted quickly after learning children had been endangered and located a vehicle matching the caller’s description.
Charges And Legal Status
Martinez-Perales faces multiple felony counts, including:
- Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer
- Aggravated Battery With a Deadly Weapon
- Aggravated Fleeing to Elude Police
- Aggravated Driving Under the Influence
- Driving on a Revoked License
Although the events occurred in April 2025, an arrest warrant was not issued until October 2025. He was taken into custody in July 2026 and is being held at the Lake County Jail pending a case management conference scheduled for July 8. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 15 years in prison and fines totaling as much as $30,000.
Community Impact
Residents expressed concern after learning children playing on the sidewalk were nearly hit. Police emphasize the dangers of reckless driving in residential areas and say the charges reflect the serious risk posed to the public and officers during the pursuit.
Help us improve.
