Police Urge Public Not To Make Threats As Probe Into Link Between TikTok Livestream, Fatal Crash Continues

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Police are reminding the public that making threats over the phone and online is a "prosecutable crime" as a probe continues into whether a woman live-streaming a TikTok may have lead to a fatal crash in northern Lake County earlier this month.

Darren Lucas, 59, died after being hit by a car near the intersection of 33rd Street and Sheridan Road at about 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 3, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office.

• Man Hit, Killed By Car In Lake County Identified

A 43-year-old woman driving the car is a TikTok content creator, and a livestream video is now under police scrutiny, according to media reports.

Her TikTok video has been shared widely online. In the video, the woman screams before a loud thud can be heard. She starts swearing and a child in the car can be heard saying, "What was that?"

The woman then says, "I just hit somebody."

Authorities are working to determine the validity of the video. Police have been in "frequent contact" with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office regarding the "material facts and status updates for this case," authorities said Wednesday.

"As of this time, further decisions regarding the investigation are pending laboratory results and the return of legal process," police said in a Wednesday news release. "The Zion Police Department is working diligently to ensure that all evidence is considered and evaluated properly."

Authorities also reminded the public that people are "innocent until proven guilty."

"Making threats, whether made in person, by phone or online, toward a suspect or a witness, is a prosecutable crime," police said.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.