Emerson Middle School in Niles delayed the start of school Friday after an overnight crash on Oakton Street resulted in one car veering onto school property and striking a tree, according to Park Ridge-Niles School District 64.
The Niles Police Department was alerted to a crash on Oakton at 12:39 a.m. Friday and found that a 2015 Subaru Legacy being driven by a 35-year-old man was traveling westbound on Oakton when another driver, a 36-year-old male in a 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia with one 34-year-old male passenger, struck it from behind, according to a police news release.
The driver of the Alfa-Romeo veered off the road, went through a fence that surrounds the Emerson School grounds, traveled a short distance on the grounds, struck a tree and stopped, according to the release, which said responders took the Alfa Romeo driver and passenger to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.
The driver of the Subaru was not injured.
A firearm and narcotics were recovered from the Alfa-Romeo, said police, who are retaining them as evidence.
The Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) assisted Niles police, they said and they requested the Illinois Law Enforcement Alert System to help with traffic and lane closures.
Oakton Street was closed between Cumberland Avenue and Prospect Street during this investigation.
District 64 Superintendent Ben Collins sent the following email to parents early Friday.
“Overnight, there was a terrible car accident along Oakton near Emerson and Jefferson. As we worked with the police, we were informed that weapons were involved and may still be on the scene. Additionally, major access is blocked along Oakton. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.”
Collins said in the message that Emerson would have a delayed start time at 10 a.m., and Jefferson’s morning classes had been canceled, but that afternoon classes would take place.
