CHICAGO — A motorcyclist was wearing a helmet camera as he sped around traffic and struck a pedestrian at 73 mph on the Northwest Side, prosecutors said. The crash killed 26-year-old Camryn Green and left the motorcyclist, Jonathan Jaimes, 20, badly injured.
Jaimes’ helmet camera allegedly showed he also rode faster than 150 mph on the Kennedy Expressway in the moments leading up to the collision.
Shortly after 3 p.m. last Friday, March 14, drivers heading in both directions stopped to let Green cross the street in the 6500 block of West Higgins, not far from her home. Prosecutor Mike Pekara said Jaimes sped southeast along the yellow center line, passing the cars that stopped to allow Green to cross. One of those drivers later told police they heard the motorcyclist rev the bike’s engine as he roared toward the intersection and collided with Green.
Pekara said the impact sent Green flying into the air, and she landed in the southeast-bound traffic lanes. Jaimes and his motorcycle slammed into one of the oncoming vehicles that had stopped for Green. Pekara said Jaimes was ejected from his bike and landed in the northwest-bound traffic lanes.
Green suffered significant head injuries and died. Jaimes is hospitalized for serious injuries. He has been unable to attend court hearings this week, according to filings.
Chicago police officers noticed a video camera was attached to Jaimes’ helmet and secured a search warrant for the device. Pekara said they found footage of Jaimes driving recklessly and speeding “in excess of 150 mph on I-90 in the minutes before the crash.”
The helmet camera also recorded the collision, allegedly showing Green crossing the street and Jaimes striking her while his speedometer read 73 mph.
Judge Shauna Boliker ordered Jaimes detained on a charge of reckless homicide by motor vehicle.
Editor’s note: Jaimes’ mugshot is not available because he remains hospitalized.
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