Kane County Deputy Cleared Of Wrongdoing In Death Of Man In Car Chase

KANE COUNTY, IL — A Kane County Sheriff's Office deputy has been cleared of any wrongdoing in a high-speed chase and fatal crash that happened last March.

Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser concluded her review of an investigation into the vehicular pursuit of Marcos Salazar and found the deputy followed Kane County Sheriff’s Office policies and Illinois law during the incident. No criminal charges will be filed against him, according to the state's attorney's new release.

The state's attorney's office launched an investigation into any potential wrongdoing following the incident on March 5, 2024. At about 10:20 p.m. on that date, Salazar was traveling at a high rate of speed as he passed by a Kane County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was stationed on the side of Route 64 in Maple Park, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

The deputy tried to pursue the vehicle with his squad car emergency lights activated, and Salazar continued at high rates of speed, police said. Salazar eventually crashed into a tree and his car started on fire.

Salazar was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Kane County Coroner's Office ruled Salazar died from multiple injuries due to automobile mishap, according to the coroner's office. A toxicology report did not produce any findings of significance.

"Every case of an officer-involved death must be carefully and thoroughly investigated. This scrutiny maintains the public’s confidence in law enforcement and ensures the protection of the civil rights of those involved," Mosser said late last month." After a comprehensive and thorough review of the investigation into this tragic incident, it is clear that the Sheriff’s Deputy acted in accordance with both Kane County Sheriff’s Office policies and Illinois law. The evidence demonstrates that his actions were appropriate and justified in the circumstances. This matter is now considered closed, and no criminal charges will be filed.”