East Peoria man died in UTV crash, driver charged

BAYVIEW GARDENS, Ill. (WICS) — A 24-year-old man from East Peoria died after the Utility Terrain Vehicle, UTV, he was riding on crashed moments after the driver of the UTV fled from deputies, according to the Illinois State Police, ISP.

Around 12:06 on Tuesday, March 15, the UTV hit a Woodford County squad car in an earlier crash near Santa Fe Trail and Spring Bay Road in Woodford County. The UTV fled the scene, ISP said.

Moments later, deputies discovered the UTV overturned in the area of Hillside Road and Mile Tree Road.

Passenger Ryan G. Pitts was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver taken area hospital with minor injuries and subsequently arrested.

Kenneth D. Brinkley, 25, of Spring Bay, Ill., was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, a Class 2 felony.