Nearly six months after a pickup truck crashed into the Palos Park Episcopal church’s day care, the driver was given four months supervision that will end in late March, according to a circuit judge ruling Nov. 7.
Cook County Judge Mohammed Ghouse assessed more than $300 fees against the driver, a 29-year-old Oak Forest man who was cited for failing to reduce speed. Court records show the fees were paid as of Nov. 14.
Palos Park police said the man apparently suffered a medical emergency on May 16, a little after 4:30 p.m., when his pickup veered off 123rd Street, crossed 86th Avenue and went into the parking lot of the church before crashing into the building, according to police statements.
Three children were hospitalized from the crash, along with two Palos Park police officers for inhalation of smoke while trying to get to the children inside the church, police said in May.
A church staff member also suffered a medical emergency while the Fire Department was on the scene.
The day care reopened in July but struggled to recover financially, the Rev. Hunter Farrow said in August. During the seven weeks it was closed, the church dipped into its savings to pay staff while also repairing the building that still smelled like burning rubber, according to Farrow.
Authorities also ordered power to be cut to the entire property as a precaution for several days after the crash, leading the congregation to hold two outdoor services. The day care also lost one-third of its typical summer enrollment due to the delayed start date for summer programming.
The driver’s supervision began Nov. 7 and ends March 27, 2026. Police told Farrow in July the man has had a history of seizures.