A Kane County Sheriff’s deputy has been cleared of any wrongdoing in his pursuit of a speeding driver that resulted in a fatal crash, killing the driver.
On Tuesday, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser concluded her review of an investigation into the incident that resulted in the death of 36-year-old Marcos Salazar. The investigation found no wrongdoing on the part of the Sheriff’s deputy.
According to authorities, on March 5, 2024, at 10:24 p.m., Salazar was traveling at a high rate of speed as he passed by a Kane County Sheriff’s deputy who was stationed on the side of Route 64. The deputy tried to pursue the vehicle with his squad car emergency lights activated, while Salazar continued at high rates of speed. Salazar eventually crashed into a tree and his car was engulfed in flames.
The deputy notified dispatch of the crash and attempted to put out the vehicle fire, seeing no signs of life inside. The Fire Department eventually arrived and were able to put the fire out. An autopsy was performed by the Kane County Coroner’s Office which ascribed the death to multiple injuries due to automobile mishap. A toxicology report did not produce any findings of significance.
Members of the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force and the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team were called to investigate the matter. The results of the investigation were presented to State’s Attorney Mosser, who concluded that the Deputy followed Kane County Sheriff’s Office policies and Illinois law during the incident. No criminal charges will be filed against him.
“Thank you to the members of the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force and the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team for their diligent and thorough investigation into this incident, “Mosser stated in a press releast. “I also want to thank the Kane County Coroner’s Office and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for providing critical support and transparency throughout this process. Every case of an officer-involved death must be carefully and thoroughly investigated. This scrutiny maintains the public’s confidence in law enforcement and ensures the protection of the civil rights of those involved.
“After a comprehensive and thorough review of the investigation into this tragic incident, it is clear that the Sheriff’s Deputy acted in accordance with both Kane County Sheriff’s Office policies and Illinois law. The evidence demonstrates that his actions were appropriate and justified in the circumstances. This matter is now considered closed, and no criminal charges will be filed.”
