73-year-old man killed when SUV crashes into Barrington school

An SUV slammed into the front entrance of a middle school in northwest suburban Barrington on Monday afternoon, killing the elderly driver.

Crews responded at 2:22 p.m. to the crash at Station Middle School at 215 S. Eastern Ave., Barrington police said.

The driver, identified as 73-year-old Joseph R. Wasner of Rolling Meadows, was killed in the crash, according to police. He was not affiliated with Barrington 220 School District, according to a statement from the district.

Before the crash, Wasner’s vehicle struck a vehicle at Route 14 and Eastern Avenue in Barrington, and did not stop police said. He then turned into the school parking lot at a high rate of speed, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the building. The investigation is ongoing.

Wasner died of multiple injuries suffered in the crash, police said. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

School was in session at the time of the crash, but no students or staff were hurt, officials said.

“Station staff provided students and staff alternate dismissal procedures over the PA system to keep them away from the accident at the end of the school day,” according to the district. “Students did a great job following directions from staff so everyone could leave campus in a safe and orderly manner.”