2 Injured While Recording 'Serious' Street Racing Incident: Aurora PD

AURORA, IL — Two people were injured July 13 in what Aurora and North Aurora police called a "serious street racing incident."

Officers were called at 1:14 a.m. to 2363 Sequoia Drive in Aurora, where they found a 25-year-old man lying on the group with apparent arm injuries. He was brought to Mercy Hospital and later treated for spinal fractures and other injuries, according to a Wednesday joint news release from the Aurora and North Aurora police departments.

A second person sustained minor injuries and was brought to Mercy Hospital by a friend, police said.

During the initial investigation, detectives learned the 25-year-old was recording a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette and another unknown vehicle drag racing along Sequoia Drive. He and the other victim were hit by the sports car after it lost control, officials said.

The Corvette driver was identified as Alexander Touhy, of the 2700 block of Berman Road in North Aurora. He was charged with aggravated reckless driving, street racing and several related traffic violations. Police said further charges may result from pending medical test results.

"Contrary to what is often depicted in popular movies, street racing is not a harmless thrill," Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross said in a statement. "It is a dangerous and illegal activity that poses serious risks to participants, bystanders, and the community. The recent incident on Sequoia Drive serves as a stark reminder of these dangers."

As neighboring jurisdictions, the Aurora and North Aurora police departments are working together to "ensure the safety and well-being of all community members."

North Aurora police said Wednesday that they have "received many concerns" about street racing in the area and began taking additional enforcement action in mid-April in attempting to curb the problem. Officials reported the department has issued 426 traffic citations, 155 ordinance violations and 232 warnings related to street racing.

"We urge all area drivers, especially young individuals, to recognize the potential dangers of street racing," North Aurora Police Chief Joseph DeLeo said in a statement. "The Aurora and North Aurora Police Departments are committed to educating the public and enforcing laws to deter such activities. By working together, we can make our streets safer for everyone."

Police continue to investigate the incident and ask anyone with information to contact APD's traffic division at 630-256-5330.

Drag racing has resulted in several fatal crashes around Aurora in the last decade. In December 2015, a 16-year-old Aurora boy was street racing when he crashed into a car, killing a 49-year-old man and seriously injuring his 15-year-old daughter, Patch reported. In 2019, a Palatine man was killed while street racing motorcycles. A year ago, two teenagers from Plainfield and Montgomery were cited after their street racing in Oswego led to a 16-year-old passenger being hospitalized.

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