A 23-year-old Morton man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a truck from the Morton Pumpkin Festival grounds and causing a three-car crash last week that injured a dozen people.
According to police reports, Jesse Horn was working as a volunteer for the Pumpkin Festival when he stole one of Mike Murphy Ford’s trucks off the festival grounds.
Witnesses said Horn was traveling at speeds of 65 to 70 mph on East Jackson Street and driving the truck in an erratic and reckless manner, passing multiple vehicles at a time and in no passing zones.
Merlin Mumm was sitting at the intersection of Durant and Jackson Street in Morton Township attempting to make a left turn when Horn crashed the truck into the back of his vehicle.
The speed of the impact then caused the truck to slide sideways and slam a vehicle, driven by Michelle Combs, into a cornfield.
The crash occurred around the same time opening ceremonies for the festival were underway.
All three drivers and their passengers — 12 people in total, including some children — were transported to Peoria hospitals for injuries.
Horn was arrested by Morton police on Sunday for unlawful possession of a converted motor vehicle and driving with a suspended driver’s license.
Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department also charged Horn with driving under the influence.
According to court records, Horn’s license was suspended for previous alcohol-related charges.
State’s attorney Stu Umholtz said his office is reviewing the information and has not decided on further charges for Horn.
A first court appearance has not been set.
Jennifer Daly, executive director and CEO of the Morton Chamber of Commerce and Morton Economic Development Council, said since the incident is still under investigation, she cannot comment at this point.
Mike Murphy of Mike Murphy Ford said he loaned the truck to the Chamber for the week of Pumpkin Festival and from that point on, it was in their care.
“They are the ones who called to tell me it was stolen and I wasn’t there when everything happened,” Murphy said.
Murphy echoed the Chamber’s “no comment” response due to the ongoing investigation, but said it is a lucky thing the accident’s aftermath was not worse.
“My prayers and empathy go out to everyone involved in the accident,” Murphy said.
