Erratic Driver Chased Fleeing Passenger After Using Cannabis In Car: New Lenox Police

NEW LENOX, IL — A Manhattan man faces reckless driving and drug charges after an April 29 incident at Sojourn Road and Joliet Highway in New Lenox.

Police were called around 3:30 p.m. to the area for a report of reckless driving, and a fight in progress. The driver, later identified as Kyle Chapman, 19, of Manhattan, was driving through a residential area at speeds of 50 mph, according to police.

Witnesses told officers Chapman was "driving onto the yards and driveways" of residences before a truck pulled in front of the vehicle, forcing it to stop, police said.

Chapman's passenger tried to flee, and was partially out of the door when the car accelerated, according to police reports.

With the passenger out of the car, Chapman chased them on foot until witnesses intervened, according to reports.

The passenger told police that Chapman had consumed cannabis while driving, which "altered his behavior and caused him to drive erratically."

Police said officers found cannabis and a THC vape cartridge in the vehicle. Chapman was taken to Silver Cross Hospital. He was cited for reckless driving and possession of adult use cannabis in the passenger area of a motor vehicle, and released.