Pedestrian Struck And Killed In Chicago Heights, Driver Gets DUI

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — A Chicago Heights man referred to many as "Poncho," some as "Mr. Lincoln Highway" and others "a pillar in our community" was struck and killed by someone who police say was a drunk driver Thursday night near 14th Street and Western Avenue in Chicago Heights.

Chicago Heights police said they responded to the scene around 6:40 p.m. on Jan. 23 and found the victim, 64-year-old Joseph Townsley, in the roadway after having been struck by a 2015 Hyundai Accent. Townsley was a pedestrian while he was struck and the Hyundai car and several others involved in the crash at the scene remained in the area, police said.

The driver of the Hyundai — who police say is India Collins, 23, of Park Forest — was taken to Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Hospital with minor injuries to her face and was later charged with aggravated DUI involving death, police said.

Townsley was pronounced dead at the scene. Tributes began on neighborhood groups on social media on Friday, with one woman referring to Townsley as "Mr. Lincoln Highway" and as always a "nice and respectful man."

"Although homeless, he was still a pillar in our community, because he represented humanity," the post read.

"When people saw or spoke to him, they felt humility, and gave from their hearts... I have seen this man clean gutters during rainstorms in areas that flood."

Another woman remembers Townsley "always cleaning up when you saw him walking up and down Lincoln Highway.

"He appreciated anything that was given to him."

The Chicago Heights Police Department Accident Investigation Unit, along with members of the South Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team, continues an investigation into the crash.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should call the Chicago Heights Police Department Detective Division at 708-756-6422.