Teen cited in Gurnee crash that killed friend, dog
Lake County Sheriff's officials say the 15-year-old who was behind the wheel of a minivan when it crashed June 21 and killed her friend and her dog near Gurnee was given a traffic citation immediately after the accident.
Deputy Chief Kevin Parker said the teenager was cited for improper lane usage. Because of the driver's age no identification was provided by police.
The sheriff's office continues to investigate the accident that killed Taylor Stinchcomb, 15, and her dog Romulus, Parker said, and it is unclear when additional charges could be filed against the driver.
Stinchcomb and Romulus took a minivan from Stinchcomb's mother without permission late June 20 after Stinchcomb learned the family was considering euthanizing the cancer-stricken dog.
Stinchcomb picked up an unidentified friend and the friend was driving the vehicle when it crashed about 12:45 a.m. on Almond Road.
Stinchcomb and the dog died as a result of the injuries from the crash, but the friend who was driving survived the accident with minor injuries.
Officials have said they do not believe drugs or alcohol factored into the crash.