Crystal Lake Police Department identifies man who drove his SUV into the home of a resident which resulted in serious injuries

CRYSTAL LAKE—My Huntley News previously reported that on July 27, at approximately 7:03 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Heather Drive for the report of a single vehicle that had crashed into a residence in the area.

Angelo Pleotis, 64, was taking a shower when he was suddenly hit by an SUV that had struck his home’s detached garage before becoming airborne and crashing through the house.

Photos Provided

Connor C. Kirkpatrick, 27, of Crystal Lake (Upper Left) was identified as the driver of the SUV that struck the home of and injured Angelo Pleotis, 64, (Bottom Right)

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the SUV was heading eastbound on Ballard Road when for unknown reasons, the vehicle continued through the intersection of Briarwood Road and proceeded to leave the roadway, which ultimately resulted in the accident.

Authorities have now identified 27-year-old Connor C. Kirkpatrick of Crystal Lake, as the driver of the SUV that struck Pleotis.

Both Pleotis and Kirkpatrick sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the accident and were airlifted to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

According to a press release by the Crystal Lake Police Department, the crash resulted in Kirkpatrick now having a medical condition that doesn’t allow him to communicate with anyone.

Investigators are continuing to process and examine evidence collected from the scene, as well as look at data collected from the vehicle and other electronic devices.

Authorities say that they still have “several questions regarding this crash” that have not been answered by their investigative efforts.

Following the accident, Pleotis’ daughter-in-law, Alyssa, started a Go Fund Me fundraiser for her father-in-law and could only describe his survival from the accident as a miracle.

“He suffered collapsed lungs, broken ribs, head trauma, lacerations, and two spinal fractures/dislocations which [have] caused paralysis. He is currently still in the ICU and being monitored,” wrote Alyssa in the Go Fund Me. “I want to give back to one of the kindest, most gentle-hearted people I’ve ever met. Angelo was planning many outdoor adventures and travels in the near future. He was very active in my daughter’s (his granddaughter’s) activities and life.”

Additionally, Alyssa explained that one of their uncles also resided with Pleotis and has now been displaced because of the damage done to the home. She stated that almost all of the uncle’s possessions will need to be replaced.

As of Aug. 5, the Go Fund Me account for Pleotis has raised over $80,000 of its $250,000 goal.

It is unknown if Pleotis will ever regain the ability to walk again, with funds from the Go Fund Me going towards services that will assist Pleotis through each step of the way as he recovers from his injuries. 

Those interested in donating to the Pleotis Go Fund Me account can visit gofund.me/83198c12.