Yorkville Police Offer New Details, But No Motive, In Alleged Attack By Oswegoland Park District Director

YORKVILLE, IL — Charged with attempted reckless homicide, Oswegoland Park District Executive Director Tom Betsinger is accused of trying to run down a pedestrian with his vehicle — and the man who was chased told police he doesn't know Betsinger and has never met him, Yorkville police told Patch.

Betsinger, who also previously served as a Montgomery village trustee, is facing charges of attempted reckless homicide, aggravated assault and driving under the influence after an incident that happened around 8:40 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of BrightFarms Greenhouse, 1555 Corneils Road.

Although Yorkville say they don't know what caused the event, investigators determined through a surveillance video that Betsinger drove a black Toyota pickup truck "off the parking lot surface" in what appeared to be an "intentional attempt to strike a pedestrian multiple times" before crashing into two parked cars, then fleeing, police said in a news release Monday afternoon.

Deputy Chief Garrett Carlyle explained to Patch that the pickup drove off the parking lot and onto the landscaping in front of the business, forcing the man "to avoid the offending vehicle multiple times as the vehicle continued to chase after the victim in front of the business."

RELATED: Oswegoland Park District Director Tried To Hit Pedestrian, Crashed Into 2 Parked Cars: Yorkville PD

The pickup truck eventually crashed into two parked cars, at which point the man got inside the building, and Betsinger drove away, according to Carlyle.

"The victim's statement is that he has never met the offender and does not know or have a relationship with him whatsoever and could not offer a suggestion on why the offender was chasing him in the vehicle," he said.

Betsinger chose not to make any statements to police investigators, Carlyle said. Kendall County jail records show he was released Monday afternoon, with his next court date Aug. 18.

Asked for comment, Laura Finch, the director of marketing and customer service for the Oswegoland Park District, told Patch: "The Board of Commissioners is aware of the reported events, and Mr. Betsinger has been placed on administrative leave while the Board investigates the matter."