Illinois Driver Charged After Striking and Killing Pedestrian While Livestreaming on TikTok
Local police in Illinois have announced that charges have been filed against a driver involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The incident took place while the driver, identified as Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, was livestreaming on TikTok.
According to The New York Times, McCarty-Wroten, known as Tea Tyme on TikTok, is facing two felony charges brought by the Zion Police Department. The charges include reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death.
A video circulating on TikTok, originally posted by Tea Tyme, captured the moment of impact when a loud thud can be heard. In the video, an offscreen child inquires about the noise, to which McCarty-Wroten responds, “I hit somebody.”
Surveillance footage from the area reportedly shows McCarty-Wroten’s vehicle proceeding through an intersection against a red traffic light. Investigators determined that the driver did not attempt to slow down or alter the vehicle’s course before colliding with Darren Lucas, who tragically lost his life as a result of the accident.
McCarty-Wroten’s legal representative stated to the NYT that the evidence will demonstrate that the incident was a result of negligence rather than intentional or reckless behavior. The lawyer emphasized that while the act was negligent, it was not carried out with malicious intent.
