Police, firefighters, and paramedics from Oak Park responded about 9:00 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 to a report of a crash involving a Pace bus
Upon arrival, police officers discovered a crash involving a Pace bus, a white Toyota RAV4, a gray Toyota 4Runner SUV, and a white Chevy or GMC work van.
The white work van and the Toyota 4Runner had significant front-end damage after hitting head-on. Police found a male adult driver inside the Toyota 4Runner unresponsive with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his head. A handgun was found on the floor of the Toyota 4Runner.
At least fourteen people required EMS assessment by paramedics and a MABAS EMS Box Alarm was activated, which assigned about eight mutual ambulances to the scene. Among the fourteen people assessed, there were no life-threatening injuries, and eleven individuals were transported to area hospitals. Three people were assessed and/or treated at the scene and released.
Initial investigation indicates that the driver of the Toyota 4Runner, identified as Thomas E. Cremeens, age 48, of Plainfield, was driving southbound on Harlem Avenue when he ran a red light at Lake Street near a busy retail and restaurant area of Oak Park.
Allegedly, Thomas E. Cremeens swerved into oncoming traffic in the northbound lanes to avoid hitting a pedestrian in the crosswalk. He crashed subsequently grazed the Pace bus and the Toyota RAV4, and crashed head-on into the white work van.
A short time later, Thomas E. Cremeens, sitting in the Toyota 4Runner, shot himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The service is free, confidential, and connects you with trained counselors. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Studies show people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about them in a caring way. Learn more on how you can support someone through a crisis at nami.org/suicidepreventionmonth.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
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