Crete, IL – A California man is facing felony charges following a fatal crash in Will County that left a Chicago driver dead last week.
According to the Illinois State Police, 58-year-old William D. Fanning of Rancho Cucamonga, California, was arrested on April 18 and charged with two counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Involving Death, both classified as Class 2 felonies.
Authorities say the charges stem from a crash that occurred Wednesday at the intersection of Illinois 394 and Burville Road in Crete. Investigators determined that Fanning, operating a tractor semi-trailer eastbound on Burville, allegedly failed to yield while turning left. The maneuver caused a southbound Chevrolet Malibu to strike the semi’s trailer.
The impact forced the Malibu underneath the trailer, fatally injuring the driver, 40-year-old Joshua D. Kutz of Chicago. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
State Police troopers arrested Fanning at the scene, and preliminary reports allege he had consumed methamphetamine prior to the collision.
On Friday, ISP agents presented the case to the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved the formal charges. Fanning remains in custody awaiting his first court appearance. No booking photo was available at the time of the announcement, and authorities noted that no additional details have been released.
Officials emphasize that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have something you’d like to let us know about? Message us on our social channels and let us know about it!
