Police: 15-year-old boy was behind wheel of SUV that crashed into Fox Lake auto body shop

A 15-year-old boy was behind the wheel of a speeding SUV that crashed into a Fox Lake auto body shop early Saturday morning, police said Monday.

The teen was initially taken to Northwestern McHenry Hospital after the crash before being transported by helicopter to Lurie’s Children’s Hospital in Chicago in critical condition, according to police.

The passenger, another 15-year-old boy, suffered injuries not considered life-threatening and was taken to McHenry Hospital before being released.

According to police, officers responded at about 7:20 a.m. Saturday to a report of a single-vehicle crash in which a Chevrolet Traverse had left the roadway, struck a utility pole and then slammed into Dan’s Auto Body at 702 Rollins Road, causing major damage to the pole, outside wall and vehicle.

The preliminary investigation indicates the 15-year-old driver was speeding westbound on Rollins Road when he lost control of the vehicle, police said. He showed signs of impairment, authorities said.

A ComEd crew stabilized and repaired the utility pole. The building was deemed uninhabitable until further inspection and repairs can be completed, police said.

Business owner Doug Lewis said a hole in the shop’s wall had been boarded up but he was told that the village’s building inspector wouldn’t be available until late Tuesday or Wednesday.

The crash remains under investigation.