On August 22nd, 2013, Michelle Parker was driving to work as a cleaning lady for St. Anthony College of Nurse in her 2010 Chrysler Sebring.
Also on the road was Dennis Mikosz in his Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Winnebago County Sheriff Deputies Clarence Saulters, and Stephen Martellaro seen the pick up truck leave the parking lot of State Street Station and swerve into oncoming traffic before correcting and swerve into the right side of the road.
Martellaro, a rookie at the time, was driving and initiated a traffic stop. The two deputies approached the truck and smelled alcohol as they approached.
After returning to their squad car, In footage obtained through a FOIA request by RRStar, Saulters can be heard telling Martellaro that (Mikosz) was in his vehicle debating on if he should take off or not. Saulters continued to walk Martellaro through the field sobriety test when Mikosz drove off. Saulters told Martellaro he told him and to go after him and the pursuit began.
The pursuit continued as Mikosz swerved in and out of traffic. Even when he crashed into a Ford Ranger near the intersection of Turner Street and Alpine Road, that wasn’t enough to stop him.
Speeds reached over 80 MPH when Mikosz approached the intersection of Garrett and Mulford.
Awaiting at the intersection with a red light was Michelle Parker. She drove after it turned green and hit by the Mikosz.
The injuries she suffered due to crash ultimately killed her.