Driver charged after fleeing crash in Gurnee

An Lake County man was charged after crashing his vehicle into trees and bushes near Gurnee Mills and fleeing after the incident, authorities said.

Gurnee police Cmdr. Jay Patrick said Nicholas Sheeler, 20, turned himself in to authorities about 11 a.m. Monday, accompanied by his attorney.

Patrick said Sheeler was charged with driving on a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident to police, driving an uninsured vehicle and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Sheeler is free on a recognizance bond. His next court date was unavailable.

Authorities said Sheeler was westbound on Route 132, also known as Grand Avenue, when he went off the road near Gurnee Mills West and struck the bushes and trees about 4:25 p.m. Sunday. Patrick said the vehicle spun around and came to rest near a retention pond.

Sheeler exited his vehicle and hopped into another car that apparently was traveling with him. Patrick said the driver of the car then left the area.

Witnesses copied the license plate number of the car that departed, said Patrick, and cops later telephoned the suspected driver.

Patrick said damage to the one tree and four bushes at Gurnee Mills was estimated at $979. Sheeler's car was reported to have sustained extensive damage.