Police search for fugitive in fatal 2023 Illinois crash

MASCOUTAH, Ill. — Police are looking for the driver in a fatal 2023 Christmas Eve collision. Cale H. Dees Jr. now faces multiple charges and is now considered a fugitive.

The incident occurred on Illinois State Route 4 at Fuesser Road around 3:50 p.m. Dees, driving a GMC Terrain, allegedly swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a turning vehicle, colliding head-on with a Honda CRV. The crash resulted in one death and multiple injuries.

Pamela Meekins, an occupant of the CRV, died from her injuries after being airlifted to Barnes Jewish Hospital. Two other occupants, Janice and Carole Meekins, suffered serious injuries.

Following an investigation by the Mascoutah Police Department and Illinois State Police, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged Dees with several felonies, including aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death, reckless homicide, and multiple counts of aggravated reckless driving.

Dees has not been apprehended and is considered a fugitive. The Mascoutah Police Department asking for the public’s help to find him.

Anyone with information about Dees’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Mascoutah Police Department .

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