Suspect Takes Own Life, Priest Prompts Police Investigation: IL Weekend

ILLINOIS — As we head into a new week, Patch has rounded up the stories you may have missed over the weekend.

A family and local business are reeling from tragedy after friends say a 49-year-old restaurant owner was hit and killed while crossing the street.

Police in one suburb are asking for helping tracking down a man they say derailed a festive holiday event by stealing and selling $45,000 in Christmas decorations.

Meanwhile, police are investigating after a traveling priest was involved in an "incident" with students during a traveling relic exhibit.

Here are some of the stories you may have missed:

Suspect Takes Own Life As Deputies Serve Arrest Warrant: State Police

The deputies were carrying out an arrest warrant as part of an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation, Illinois State Police said.

Man Struck Woman With Revolver Before Standoff, Police Say

Police initially responded to a report of a woman being shot in the head but found the victim had been struck with the weapon. A 42-year-old man is facing charges.

Firefighter Injured When Semi Hits Fire Truck On Interstate 90

The collision happened at about 10 p.m. when the fire truck, which had its emergency warning lights activated, was hit by the passing semi, according to police. The fire truck was at the scene of a collision involving a semi and van when the second crash occurred.

Priest Visiting With Relic Prompts Police Investigation

The Diocese now finds itself the subject of another investigation involving allegations that a traveling priest engaged in criminal behavior with students. While the church didn't offer specifics on the incident or identify the priest, The Pillar, an online news website that reports on the Catholic Church, identified the priest as Fr. Carlos Martins, who is well known for his 2023 podcast series featuring dramatic audio portrayals of allegedly demonic encounters Martins claims to have experienced in ministry as an exorcist.

County Official Flaunts Political Status During DUI Arrest: Body Cam Footage

Samantha Steele repeatedly told officers, "I'm an elected official," after hitting two vehicles earlier this month, body camera video shows. She repeatedly refused to provide her driver’s license and proof of insurance to the responding officer, insisting she would wait for her attorney and at one point handing her cellphone to the officer with her attorney on the line and telling the officer to talk to him, the video showed.

Restaurant Owner Dies After Being Struck By Vehicle

He was attempting to cross the street with a Prius, driven by a 17-year-old girl, struck him, police said. A GoFundMe has been created to help his family.

Man Stole $45K In Decorations: Police

Efforts to turn a suburban baseball stadium into the GLOW Holiday Festival are off to a rocky start as police ask for the public's help to track down a thief. They say a 52-year-old man stole $45,000 in holiday decorations and "scrapped the Christmas decorations for money."