Illinois State Police District 11
Crash Release
Date: 12/10/10
Time: 11:35 p.m.
Location: St. Clair Avenue- 82 Feet East of North 70th Street
County: St. Clair
Crash Number: 11-10-03414
Unit 1
Vehicle Description: 2000 Dodge Neon
Driver Name: Barry J. Tobin
Gender: Male
Age: 18
City/State of Residence : Belleville, IL.
Seatbelt use: Yes
Injuries: Minor
Taken To: Memorial Hospital-Belleville
Unit 2
Vehicle Description: 2006 Lincoln LS
Driver Name: Sean M. Rose
Gender: Male
Age: 33
City/State of Residence : Swansea, IL.
Seatbelt use: Yes
Injuries: Fatal
Taken To: n/a
Unit 3
Vehicle Description: 1989 Dodge Ram Truck
Driver Name: Richard W. Thornton
Gender: Male
Age: 22
City/State of Residence : Belleville, IL.
Seatbelt use: Yes
Injuries: None
Taken To: n/a
Passenger 1
Unit #: 1
Name: Damien P. Brendel
Gender: Male
Age: 21
City/State of Residence: Fairview Heights, IL.
Seatbelt use: None
Injuries: Serious
Taken To: St. Louis University Hospital
Passenger 2
Unit #: 1
Name: Derek J. Valerius
Gender: Male
Age: 17
City/State of Residence: Belleville, IL.
Seatbelt use: Yes
Injuries: Minor
Taken To: Memorial Hospital- Belleville
Passenger 3
Unit #: 3
Name: Jamie R. Fazris
Gender: M
Age: 18
City/State of Residence: IL.
Seatbelt use: Yes
Injuries: None
Taken To: n/a
Narrative: Unit #1 and Unit #3 were traveling westbound on St. Clair Avenue at 70th Street. Unit #2 was traveling eastbound on St. Clair Avenue at 70th Street. Unit #1 was traveling at a very high rate of speed, went out of control, crossed over across the center turn lane, and struck Unit #2 head on. The front seat passenger of Unit #1, Brendal, was ejected from the vehicle, and was later flown to St. Louis University Hospital by ARCH. Unit #1's engine block became detached from the vehicle and struck Unit #3. Unit #2 caught fire from the collision. The driver of Unit #2, Rose, was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Clair County Coroner. Alcohol was a factor in this traffic crash, and the crash investigation is ongoing.
Sgt. Brent Beltz #4588
* The public is reminded that criminal defendants are presumed innocent until the government is able to prove its charges in court beyond a reasonable doubt.
