Reckless driver wreaks havoc, injuring several people during police pursuit through Lake County: authorities

A reckless driver caused mayhem in Lake County and injured several people during a police chase Tuesday evening near Gurnee.

According to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Reno J. Giangiorgi was believed to be driving impaired about 6 p.m. around a gas station in the 36000 block of Grandwood Drive near Gurnee.

Witnesses told authorities that the driver struck a vehicle at the gas station, drove away, returned to the gas station and struck another vehicle before fleeing again.

The driver was reportedly bleeding and driving erratically as he left the area, witnesses told investigators.

Shortly after the initial call, a responding deputy found the suspect vehicle and tried to make a traffic stop, but Giangiorgi fled again, sideswiping two vehicles at the intersection of Stearns School Road and Hunt Club Road and injuring one of the drivers, authorities said.

Deputies continued the pursuit and briefly had the suspect’s vehicle stopped at Hunt Club Road and Grand Avenue due to traffic. Deputies tried to enter the driver’s vehicle, but traffic began clearing and the suspect drove away.

According to the release, Giangiorgi continued south on Route 21, where he ran a red light and T-boned another vehicle with four people inside, including two children.

He then tried to continue fleeing and rammed a vehicle traveling north, injuring that driver as well.

The suspect’s vehicle continued to roll until a deputy used their squad car to disable it.

Giangiorgi was taken into custody, and aid was rendered to all those who were injured.

Authorities said the injuries to those in cars struck by the suspect were not considered life-threatening. Seven people, including the suspect, were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities said one child remains hospitalized but is “improving.”

Giangiorgi is charged with aggravated driving under the influence, aggravated fleeing and eluding, as well as multiple traffic infractions. More charges could be levied later. A detention hearing was slated for later Wednesday, and the Lake County state’s attorney is seeking to have Giangiorgi held while he awaits trial, authorities said.

The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team and Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team still are investigating, authorities said.

https://www.dailyherald.com/20250618/crime/reckless-driver-wreaks-havoc-injuring-several-people-during-chase-through-lake-county/