MATTOON, IL (Chambana Today) – The driver accused of crashing into a Mattoon nursing home, killing one resident and critically injuring another, has been denied pretrial release. On Tuesday afternoon, a Coles County judge ruled that 54-year-old Curtis Meadows will remain in custody as he awaits trial.
The crash occurred Friday afternoon when Meadows, reportedly under the influence, failed to turn at the T-intersection of Logan and Lafayette Avenues. His vehicle struck a room at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home, where two residents were inside. Sharon Harpster, 82, was killed in the crash, while an 86-year-old woman was left in critical condition.
Meadows faces six felony charges: four counts of aggravated DUI causing death (Class 2 felonies) and two counts of reckless homicide with a motor vehicle (Class 3 felonies). His next court date is scheduled for Monday.
Authorities say Meadows was coherent and cooperative after the crash and was arrested at the hospital later that day. Prosecutors successfully petitioned to keep him in custody, citing the severity of the incident.