No Charges Filed In Portillo's Crash That Killed 2-Year-Old, Investigation Continues: Oswego PD

OSWEGO, IL — Oswego police on Friday offered updates on the crash that killed a 2-year-old boy and injured 12 others inside the Route 34 Portillo's restaurant, saying authorities have not yet determined whether charges will be filed against the driver who plowed into the building.

Police also clarified that a total of 13 people were injured in the crash, not 14 as originally reported by officials, and the victims who were hospitalized ranged in age from their twenties to their sixties.

Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, police said, "First responders arrived to a chaotic and critical scene" with multiple injured people, including the toddler, after a 2011 Lincoln MKZ sedan crashed through the front entrance and into the restaurant. "Our officers were first on scene and immediately began life-saving efforts, including CPR administered to the child," police said.

Preliminary findings "suggest the crash may have been accidental in nature," police said, but the exact cause remains under investigation. Officials said they have not yet determined whether charges will be filed against the driver, a 50-year-old Canton, Michigan woman.

Eight people were taken to area hospitals, including the 2-year-old boy, who was later pronounced deceased. Five other victims were evaluated at the scene and declined further medical treatment, police said. The driver of the Lincoln was among those taken to the hospital.

"Out of respect for all those affected, no names are being released," police said Friday. "We understand the emotional impact this incident has had on the victims, their families, our community and on our first responders. Support resources have been made available, and we encourage anyone affected to seek assistance as needed."

Multiple nearby police and fire departments assisted, providing emergency care and helping secure the scene.

• Oswego Fire Protection District
• Oswego Public Works
• Aurora Fire Department
• Aurora Police Department
• Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District
• Illinois State Police
• Kane County Coroner’s Office
• KenCom Public Safety Dispatch
• Kendall County Emergency Management Agency
• Kendall County Sheriff’s Office
• Montgomery Police Department
• Naperville Fire Department
• Plainfield Fire Department

"Their coordinated response was instrumental in ensuring public safety and effective incident management," police said, adding, "We would also like to express our appreciation to the management and staff of Portillo’s, as well as to the patrons who assisted during the incident. Their support during this incident is sincerely appreciated. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses."

As of Friday afternoon, the Portillo's restaurant was still listed as temporarily closed.

On Thursday, Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman expressed his heartbreak, and said the village will explore ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future. "We are also looking into how other communities have responded to similar incidents, and we are actively exploring additional safety measures. Nothing is off the table when it comes to protecting lives," he said.

"At the Village Board meeting on Monday, Aug. 4, we will observe a moment of silence to honor the child who was lost and those impacted by this tragedy," Kauffman said. "I invite the community to join us in mourning and reflection."

After 'Unimaginable' Portillo's Tragedy, Kauffman Says 'Nothing Is Off The Table' In Safety Discussions

Village board meetings are at 7 p.m. in the Board Room of Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill.

Meanwhile, a memorial was growing outside the Portillo's restaurant in honor of the 2-year-old who was killed and the 12 others who were injured.

Residents have been leaving flowers and stuffed animals at the site, CBS Chicago reported. "As a family, you just go out to eat and you don't think that somebody's not coming back. That's terrible," one community member told the outlet.