A fatal incident in Zion has led to criminal charges against a driver accused of using social media while operating her vehicle. Authorities report that Tynesha McCarty-Wroten was taken into custody this week in connection with the November collision that claimed a pedestrian's life.
Crash Details and Investigation
The accident occurred on November 3 at approximately 5:46 p.m. at the intersection of Sheridan Road and 33rd Street. According to police reports, a 2015 Ford Edge struck and killed 59-year-old Darren Lucas at the scene. The driver remained at the location and contacted emergency services.
On November 7, law enforcement initiated an inquiry after becoming aware of social media content potentially related to the case. "Investigators are currently following up on investigative leads to verify the validity of the video," police stated at the time.
Social Media Evidence
In a subsequent update, Zion police disclosed that their examination confirmed McCarty-Wroten was "allegedly live-streaming herself on TikTok" during the deadly crash. The department noted that multiple community members had alerted investigators about the video in the days following the incident.
"The video was preserved and verified through extensive investigation, including the execution of multiple search warrants and analysis of electronic data," authorities explained in their statement.
Legal Proceedings
McCarty-Wroten now faces charges including Reckless Homicide and Aggravated Use of an Electronic Communication Device. She appeared before a judge Wednesday morning, where she was ordered to remain in custody awaiting trial. Another court hearing is scheduled for Friday.
