MATTOON, IL (Chambana Today) – The driver who crashed into a Mattoon nursing home on Friday, killing one resident and seriously injuring another, is now facing multiple felony charges.
Coles County court records show Curtis Meadows, 54, has been charged with six felony counts — four of aggravated DUI causing death (Class 2 felonies) and two counts of reckless homicide with a motor vehicle (Class 3 felonies). The charges stem from a crash that occurred when Meadows, allegedly driving under the influence, failed to turn at the T-intersection of Logan and Lafayette avenues and drove into the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home.
The car came to a stop inside a resident’s room, injuring two women. One of them, 82-year-old Sharon Harpster, later died. The other resident, an 86-year-old woman, remains in critical condition.
According to Mattoon Police, Meadows was coherent and cooperative with investigators following the crash. He was arrested at the hospital about 30 minutes after the incident.
Due to his continued hospitalization, Meadows was unable to attend a detention hearing scheduled for Monday. His attorney requested a postponement to Tuesday, which was granted without objection from the Coles County State’s Attorney’s Office.
