Richmond man fled police, 'abandoned' 16-year-old girl in car, police say

A 20-year-old man made a court appearance Tuesday on allegations that he fled police and abandoned his car with an unconscious girl inside.

About 3 a.m. Aug. 5, Spring Grove police stopped a car that was speeding and driving on the shoulder near Route 173 and Siedschlag Road, Police Chief Thomas Sanders said.

The driver, Reginald L. Banks, stopped the car, but he started driving again as police approached, Sanders said. A 16-year-old girl under the influence of alcohol and marijuana was seated in the passenger seat while Banks led officers on a short chase, running two stop signs and accelerating more than 21 mph over the speed limit, according to a criminal complaint.

Richmond officers eventually spotted Banks’ car in an apartment complex parking lot. Police found the girl unconscious inside the vehicle and took her to the hospital, officials said.

Unable to find Banks that night, officers arrested him on a warrant Monday. He is charged with obstructing police, aggravated fleeing of police, driving on a suspended license and child endangerment.

Banks, of the 100 block of Cunat Boulevard, Richmond, would need to post $5,300 to be released from the McHenry County Jail. He is due in court Sept. 10.

Banks faces separate marijuana possession charges stemming from a fight that broke out April 8 at a Spring Grove home.

Neighbors called police when they heard a single gunshot. Two others, Keenan Queen and Shannon Lytle, also were arrested and charged in connection with the situation. Queen pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated battery and was sentenced to two years of probation. Lytle’s case is ongoing.