Police have identified a Lake in the Hills man, who was found with a gun, as the Tesla driver who claimed he fell asleep with his car in autopilot mode when it crashed into a stopped South Barrington squad car, injuring officers.
The Barrington Hills Police Department responded around 10:35 p.m. on October 15 to assist the South Barrington Police Department with a crash involving one of their police squads.
Barrington Hills Police Department Public Information Officer William Walsh said the crash occurred on Route 62 near Penny Road.
An investigation determined that two South Barrington police vehicles were stopped on Route 62 west of Penny Road with their emergency lights activated, Walsh said.
The officers were conducting a traffic investigation in the eastbound right lane.
A 2022 Tesla Model Y was traveling eastbound on Route 62 when it struck the rear of one of the police vehicles, Walsh said.
The impact pushed the squad into the Mack truck that had been stopped by officers.
Walsh said the driver of the Tesla, Joseph Fresso, 43, of Lake in the Hills, told officers his vehicle was engaged in self-driving mode.
Fresso said that he had fallen asleep and woke up too late to avoid the crash.
Two South Barrington officers and the driver of the Mack truck were transported by ambulance to Ascension St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.
They all suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were later released from the hospital, Walsh said.
Walsh said officers discovered a loaded pistol in Fresso’s belongings. He does not have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card.
He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and cited for failure to yield one full lane or reduce speed upon approaching an emergency vehicle and failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.
Fresso was transported to Cook County Circuit Court on October 16 for a detention hearing. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 3.
The two South Barrington officers in the squad luckily did not suffer serious injuries in the crash, South Barrington village officials said.
The South Barrington Police Department said in a reminder to motorists that while the use of vehicle automation systems such as autopilot is not illegal, drivers are still required to remain alert and attentive at all times.
Officials say vehicle technology can assist drivers but it does not replace the need for human attention and judgment behind the wheel.
“Technology continues to evolve and can enhance safety when used properly,” South Barrington Deputy Police Chief Adam Puralewski said.
“However, it’s important to remember that drivers are still responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles at all times,” Puralewski said.
The South Barrington Police Department said they urge drivers to stay focused, avoid distractions and maintain control of their vehicles to help keep the roads safe for everyone.