Bo and Luke Would be Proud: Track Jump Turns into Tavern Stop in Peotone

By Andrea Arens

Somewhere, the Duke boys are slow-clapping.

At approximately 2:29 a.m. on Valentine’s Day, a Peotone police officer patrolling near East North and Railroad Streets discovered what can only be described as a one-vehicle tribute to 1980s television. The train viewing area on the west side of the tracks had been redecorated — involuntarily.

A picnic table was no longer in picnic-ready condition. Its legs had been completely separated from the seats and tabletop, as if it had simply decided it had had enough. A newly planted tree was bent dramatically westward, and the train viewing sign was also damaged. Scattered across the area was a breadcrumb trail of broken black plastic vehicle parts leading from the east side of North Street to the west-side parking area.

Investigators noted that the bent tree suggested a westbound vehicle had launched over the railroad tracks from the east side before making impact with the table, tree and sign in quick succession. Among the debris were vehicle parts bearing a Mopar symbol and identifiable part numbers — because nothing says “subtle” like leaving your brand behind at the scene.

Within minutes, Peotone’s officers reviewed Flock camera footage. At 11:50 p.m., a dark-colored SUV is seen traveling westbound on North Street at what police describe as a high rate of speed. The footage shows the SUV going airborne, skimming the tracks, before plowing through the picnic table and striking the small tree. The table appears to briefly hitch a ride before breaking free, while the SUV continues westbound, later turning south onto Second Street.

A couple days later, Canadian National Railroad reported that the next day a southbound train had experienced separation caused by a half inch gap or dent on the tracks; possibly caused by the vehicle.

The vehicle was found to have dealer plates, and officers tracked down the registered driver for an interview.

Despite the airborne theatrics — and a subsequent inspection of the vehicle that revealed no blood or animal remains — the driver reportedly maintained that the damage was caused by striking an animal, “likely a fox.”

The driver told police he had been completing a side job in the area, fell asleep at the wheel, and woke up only after driving over the tracks. He stated he was unaware he had struck a tree, picnic table, sign or camera post. He did acknowledge leaving the scene, driving to Suzy’s Tavern, and having a few drinks using his “Trump” credit card. Noticing plastic parts falling from the vehicle, he reportedly stopped to pick them up before heading home.

Police charged the driver with misdemeanor failure to give information after striking unattended property, failure to report an accident, two counts of reckless driving, and driving too fast for conditions. He was released pending a mandatory court appearance.

As for the picnic table, tree and sign — they did not receive a Valentine.