By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – Authorities have completed the investigation into a crash in early March that claimed the life of Normal West High School student Olivia Sonetz, and evidence shows the Bloomington teenager may have run a red light, while the other driver was allegedly speeding.
The accident happened the evening of March 6 at the intersection of Raab Road and Mitsubishi Motorway.
In a news release, McLean County State’s Attorney Jason Chambers said witnesses provided conflicting statements whether Sonetz, who was 17, or the other driver, Mitchel Mohr, 23, of Bloomington, had a green light.
Chambers says video from a security camera provides evidence related to the timing of the traffic lights and vehicle movement. Results of the accident reconstruction indicate the probability that Mohr’s vehicle entered the intersection on a yellow light, which is not against the law. At the same time, Chambers said there’s a “substantial possibility” that Sonetz’ car ran a red light.
As a result, the state’s attorney said there’s insufficient evidence to charge Mohr with reckless homicide, but he will face a speeding charge.
Mohr was treated for injuries at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and released.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
