FREEPORT (WREX) — Two individuals were killed in a crash on Illinois Route 26 near Oneco Road in rural Stephenson County on Saturday, Aug. 9, at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Authorities identified the victims as Darcy Connolly-Brunner, a Freeport resident, and Rolando Ico-Choc, a Guatemalan national also living in Freeport. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene after Ico-Choc's Nissan Altima crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with Connolly-Brunner's Ford Edge.
The Stephenson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident, focusing on whether Ico-Choc was impaired at the time of the crash. Toxicology tests are pending and results may take several weeks. Autopsies for both individuals are scheduled for Tuesday.
Sheriff Steve Stovall reported that Ico-Choc had a prior criminal record, and the only identification recovered was a Guatemalan national ID. Authorities are looking into his living situation in Freeport.
In response to the tragedy, local lawmakers have called for a review of state immigration and law enforcement policies. St. Sen. Andrew Chesney and St. Reps. John Cabello and Tony McCombie criticized the Illinois Trust Act, which restricts local law enforcement's collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Court records indicate that Ico-Choc had multiple prior offenses, including two DUI arrests. His most recent conviction was for felony DUI on July 28, 2023.
The Illinois State Police continue to investigate the crash.