A TikTok user known as “Tea Tyme” has been taken into custody after allegedly hitting a 59-year-old man while live streaming and then asking her followers for donations. The suspect, identified as Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, was arrested by the Zion, Illinois police department on charges of reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death.
The incident occurred in November when McCarty-Wroten struck Darren Lucas with her vehicle as he was walking home from work in suburban Chicago. Despite the severity of the situation, she had the audacity to request donations from her audience. The victim’s son-in-law, Chris King, expressed relief at the progress of the investigation following her arrest.
McCarty-Wroten was driving through Zion when her live stream captured the moment of impact, with her exclaiming in shock as she realized she had hit someone. She claimed to have had a green light at the time of the accident, but surveillance footage later revealed that she had actually run a red light.
Lucas suffered fatal injuries from the collision and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Despite initially being released without charges, further investigation uncovered that McCarty-Wroten had been using her phone while driving, in violation of safety regulations.
In a disturbing turn of events, the suspect returned to social media shortly after the incident to ask for financial support, claiming she was on mental leave. This brazen display of insensitivity sparked outrage among viewers, leading to widespread condemnation of her actions.
TikTok has strict guidelines against live streaming while driving, but some users find ways to circumvent these rules using features like the green screen. McCarty-Wroten’s reckless behavior serves as a reminder of the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of adhering to road safety protocols.
The arrest of Tea Tyme highlights the serious consequences of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel and the need for accountability in cases of vehicular accidents. As the legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of Darren Lucas and seeks justice for his untimely passing.
