Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has announced charges against a man following a crash on November 26, 2024, that resulted in the death of a five-year-old child. The incident involved Steven McKnight, Jr., 25, of Zion, who was found to be driving under the influence of cannabis and recklessly at the time of the accident.

According to crash investigators, neither McKnight's two-year-old nor five-year-old son was secured in any restraining device during the crash. This negligence led to severe injuries for both children, with the five-year-old, Sy’mere McKnight, succumbing to his injuries. Following these findings, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved multiple charges against McKnight. These include two counts of aggravated DUI causing death, reckless homicide, endangering the life of a child causing death, and four counts of aggravated DUI. He was arrested on July 24 by sheriff’s deputies and SWAT and remains in jail awaiting trial.

The collision occurred in Beach Park when McKnight's vehicle collided head-on with another car after reportedly driving recklessly. Initial reports indicated that two young children in McKnight's car were not properly restrained. Despite initial statements to deputies, a critically injured five-year-old was later found under debris and pronounced deceased. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation and transferred the case to the State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg commented on the incident: "This crash was not an accident; it was the result of reckless, impaired driving that took the life of an innocent five-year-old child, severely injured another child, and seriously injured an uninvolved motorist who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time." He emphasized that "there is absolutely no excuse for putting children or anyone at risk," extending condolences to Sy’mere’s family as they grieve their loss.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is tasked with maintaining order and upholding laws within its jurisdiction. It focuses on service through education, communication, partnerships, and enforcement with an aim to build public trust. Its core values include integrity, respect, and professionalism. The office holds accreditation ensuring adherence to recognized standards in law enforcement since its establishment alongside Lake County's founding in 1839.