After 2 Die In Lemont Crash, Tesla Driver Charged With Reckless Homicide, DUI

LEMONT, IL — The driver of a vehicle involved in a single-car crash that killed two passengers has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence and five counts of reckless homicide, according to Will County court documents.

The driver, identified as Russell Johnson, 34, of Lemont, was booked into Will County Jail on Monday.

According to court documents, Johnson was driving a Tesla Model 3 at least 20 mph over the posted speed limit of 45 mph. He failed to maintain his lane, left the eastbound lane of traffic, went into the westbound lane and left the road, prosecutors allege.

Two people were killed in the crash: front-seat passenger, Sameer Gowani, 36, of Lisle; and backseat passenger Quincy Benbow, 33.

The crash happened at 2:11 a.m. Feb. 5, near Archer Avenue and 135th Street in Lemont. At the time, the Will County Sheriff's Office said the vehicle was heading eastbound on 135th Street at a high rate of speed, and lost control while maneuvering the curve west of Archer Avenue.

The car crossed over the double yellow line in the road, struck the curb on the north side of the road, went airborne, touched down in a grassy area, over a raised median, and struck another curb before going down an embankment near Long Run Creek, police said.