McHenry juvenile crashes family boat in Fox River

A 16-year-old boy from McHenry who was operating his family boat and crashed into a pier on the Fox River Wednesday evening was cited for careless operation, authorities said.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a boat hitting a pier on the Fox River at about 6:10 p.m. in the area of 300 River Road in Fox River Grove, according to a news release from the McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren.

Deputies saw a white and red 2008 Bayliner traveling north on the Fox River, and its operator appeared to be bleeding from the forehead, the release stated. Deputies stopped the boat, and the Barrington Fire Rescue Department provided medical attention to the operator, who was using his family’s boat.

The boy said he had no memory of the crash, was cooperative and did not appear to be fleeing from the scene, the release stated.

He was taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. The boat was towed and sustained more than $2,000 in damages, the release stated. Deputies found no signs of foul play, and did not suspect any involvement of alcohol or drugs.