PEORIA, Ill. — In a release Wednesday night, Peoria Police said a second vehicle was involved in a crash last weekend that claimed the lives of four young women.
Investigators believe the two vehicles were racing down SW Washington Street before the accident occurred.
Peoria Public Information Officer Amy Dotson said the driver of the second vehicle, Jerome Polnitz, 42, was taken in for questioning Wednesday afternoon and subsequently arrested on multiple charges.
“Street racing, driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, leaving the scene of injury, failure to notify police, failure to give aid and speeding,” Dotson said.
Polnitz’ car reportedly did not hit the other vehicle, but both cars were traveling at a rate of speed before the crash.
The crash, which occurred around 3:45 a.m. Sunday, occurred when the women’s vehicle struck a tree near the intersection of SW Washington and Darst Streets.
The crash killed 22-year-old Jazzman Burns, 18-year-old Diamond Williams, 19-year-old Quanylan Thomas and 18-year-old Tyesha Thomas, all of Peoria.
Polnitz was taken to the Peoria County Jail following his arrest.
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