Huntley man intentionally run over sues driver

Last month McHenry County prosecutors credited the compassion of Huntley resident Gary Schultze for keeping a 20-year-old man out of prison for intentionally running him over with his car.

But compassion doesn't pay the bills.

So Schultze filed suit today against the driver, Nicholas S. Hanson of Union, and his father, seeking more than $150,000 in damages for actions he says caused him permanent injuries, physical pain and mental anguish.

The suit, filed in McHenry County Circuit Court, accuses Hanson of battery, assault and negligence for the July 15, 2007, incident that left Schultze with a broken arm and other minor injuries that required medical treatment and caused him to miss time at work.

"He needs to be compensated for his injuries," Schultze attorney Michael Fleck said today.

Schultze also is seeking compensation from Hanson's father, Robert S. Hanson, who the suit claims lent his son his 1984 Lincoln sedan despite knowing his license was suspended and being aware of his "aggressive behavior."

Robert Hanson could not immediately be reached for comment. Nicholas Hanson is serving a 90-day jail sentence in the McHenry County jail.

Authorities said the incident occurred about 12:45 a.m. after Hanson argued with several people outside a home in the 11900 block of Route 47 in Huntley.

As Hanson was driving away, police said, a woman stepped in front of his vehicle hoping to get his license plate information. Schultze, believing the woman was about to be run down, pushed her out of the way and was struck by the car himself.

County prosecutors last month reduced felony charges against Hanson to misdemeanors as part of a plea deal Schultze endorsed. Under the agreement, Hanson was sentenced to 90 days in jail, placed on one year of probation and ordered to pay a $750 fine. If convicted on the initial charges, Hanson would have faced up to five years in prison.