WESTFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The driver involved in a crash that killed two people and injured two others in Westfield on Friday night now faces multiple felony charges, including reckless homicide.
The collision occurred around 7 p.m. on West Lincoln Street near South Division Street. According to Illinois State Police (ISP), a van traveling eastbound crossed the center line and struck a westbound truck head-on. Two people in the truck — identified as a Coles County board member and his wife — were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
ISP identified the driver as 34-year-old Edwin Pacheco-Meza of Indianapolis, Indiana. Court records show that he was charged with:
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Reckless homicide — Class 3 felony
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Two counts of aggravated DUI (alcohol/drugs or combination) — Class 2 felony
Pacheco-Meza remains in custody at the Clark County Jail pending court proceedings.
ISP also issued eight citations, including:
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Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
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Not driving on the right side of the roadway
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Failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident
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No valid driver’s license
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Operating an uninsured vehicle
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Illegal transportation of open alcohol
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Unlawful possession of cannabis
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Possession of cannabis under 10 grams
ISP said the investigation is ongoing, and no updates are available yet on the conditions of the two injured passengers.
Meanwhile, Coles County Board Chairman Darrell Cox will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Coles County Courthouse to address the tragic loss of board member Mike Clayton and his wife, Gail Clayton. The public is invited to attend.
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