CHICAGO (CBS 2) ― A Michigan truck driver has reportedly exhibited very odd behavior since his truck slammed into the Cermak-Chinatown 'L' stop last Friday, in an accident that killed two people and injured more than 20.
As CBS 2's Joanie Lum reports, the station remains boarded up at its main entry point, but it is back open and service on the Red Line is back to normal.
But it remains unknown why the truck slammed into the 'L' stop after barreling down the off-ramp from the Dan Ryan Expressway – without slowing down, according to witnesses.
Trucker Donald Wells, 64, was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County following the crash, and was released into police custody later Friday evening.
Initial toxicology tests showed no signs of illegal drugs in Wells' system, but officials are awaiting expanded results for additional substances.
"We are investigating everything," said Chicago Police Sgt. Maurice McCaster of the major accidents unit.
After police took his clothes as evidence, Wells declined the paper garments he was offered and stayed in the police lockup naked, McCaster said.
During the two days he was in custody, Wells urinated on the floor of his cell instead of using the urinal, sources said.
In addition, the Chicago Tribune reported that Wells arrived in Chicago without the shipment he was supposed to be hauling from Champaign.
Wells, of Metamora, Mich., was ultimately ticketed for negligent driving and released from custody Sunday night. Police said he did not make a statement, and they continue to investigate his physical and mental condition.
His behavior is one of many mysteries surrounding the Friday rush-hour crash, which killed Eloisa Guerrero, 47, and Delisia Brown, 18. More than 20 people were injured, including children.
The truck left no skid marks, sources said. That fact has led investigators to wonder if the brakes malfunctioned -- or if Wells simply did not apply them. Investigators are examining the truck for mechanical problems, but the mechanical components of the truck were severely damaged.
Wells refused to give a statement to police. After leaving the Wentworth District police station Sunday night, he was taken to St. Bernard's Hospital, where he spent all day Monday in the emergency room, said hospital officials.
McCaster said police plan to interview other truckers about legal and over-the-counter drugs truckers take to stay awake. He declined to comment on the prescription drugs, which sources would not identify.
Not knowing the cause of the crash still haunts some CTA riders.
"I think it's something we need to know," said CTA passenger Peter Beasley. "It was something that was tragic; something that didn't need to happen."
"Whether it was brake failure, mechanical failure, or human error, you can't really gauge when these things are going to happen," added passenger Gene Moy.
Also Monday, a law firm representing one of the 21 people injured in the crash asked that all evidence in the case be protected. Corboy & Demetrio filed an emergency petition in Cook County Circuit Court requiring investigators and Whiteline Express, the trucking company, to preserve videos, photos, test results and other records.
The firm represents Nicole Latimore, 18, who suffered multiple bone fractures and "massive facial injuries," according to attorney Michael Demetrio. "She's totally immobile at this point," Demetrio said.
Latimore was on the station's escalator when the crash happened.
According to U.S. Department of Transportation records, over the past 30 months Whiteline had 41 accidents with 15 injuries and one fatality before Friday.
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