RedactedNarrative: This is a Lake County Sheriff''s Office report.  Vessel 2 was at anchor watching fireworks when the operator and passenger saw the offending vessel 1 coming directly at them.  The passenger of vessel 1 pulled the operator from the helm to the floor so she would not be hit in the head by vessel 1.  
  After hitting vessel 2 and traveling directly over it, the operator of vessel 1 continued on his path without stopping to render aid and proceeded to dock his vessel at his home.  Officers were dispatched and learned that the operator of vessel 2 was transported to the hospital and the passenger of that vessel accompanied her.
  The operator of vessel 1 stated that he was returning to his dock when he hit what he thought was a buoy (there are no buoys remotely near the center of the lake where the accident occurred).  He said he stopped and did not see anything so he returned home and docked his boat.  It was apparent the operator of vessel 1 had been drinking alcoholic beverages.  He stated he had several drinks after the accident before speaking with law enforcement.  The State''s Attorney declined to approve OUI charges because of the time delay between the accident and the contact with the operator.  (The occupant of vessel 2 failed to allow road deputies onto the non-cutilage portion of the property without a warrant because he believed it was unconstitutional.)  Marine officers launched the patrol boat and located the offending boat.  The hull of the boat and swim platform were wet and scratches and red marks were visible on the port and starboard sides of the boat.
  The stern of vessel 2 was severely damaged on the starboard side from the impact.  The 360 degree stern light was cracked at the base.  The starboard gunwale was damaged and marked with blue and white paint.  The windshield glass and frame were smashed.  There was damage to bow where offending boat dismounted from the starboard side.
  The operator of vessel 1 was issued a citation for careless operation, and later charged with obstruction of justice and failure to report accident involving personal injury.  The passenger of vessel 1 was charged with obstruction of justice.
  The victim of vessel 2 suffered 5 vertebrae compression fractures and was hospitalized for 6 days.
  
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gages Lake
NearestCityTown: Grayslake                     