HUMBOLDT PARK — A man has been charged with stealing a car and causing a crash outside the Continental lounge late Saturday that destroyed a Humboldt Park family's food truck, leaving its livelihood in jeopardy.
About 11:40 p.m., police said Marcus Cammon, 25, of the 2100 block of West Maypole Avenue, was driving a stolen car in the 2800 block of West Chicago Avenue near the Continental when the car speeded through an intersection and crashed into parked cars, including Jaime's Food Truck. The crash is captured on surveillance video.
Food truck owners Jaime Banuelos and his wife, Marisela were in the truck when it was hit. Banuelos said the crash sounded like a "big explosion."
"We didn't have time to react because it happened so quickly. We both fell to the floor, and my wife went flying all the way to the front of the truck," Banuelos said.
The couple suffered scratches, but the truck, which the couple said cost them their life's savings, was destroyed. Banuelos said he's forced to look for another job to support his wife and three children, ages 17, 14 and 4.
"I don't know what to do," said Banuelos. "This is what I do for a living. I don't have a truck anymore. I gotta work somewhere, right? I need to find a job somewhere."
In the Continental's surveillance video, the van Cammon allegedly stole is seen speeding through an intersection and hitting the couple's food truck. Seconds later, patrons are seen leaving the bar.
Andrew Horton, a Continental employee, set up an online fundraising campaign for the Banuelos family, which, as of Friday morning, had raised $2,125 toward its $5,000 goal. For the last two years, Jaime's Food Truck has been stationed outside of the lounge. The couple started the truck about seven years ago.
"Jaime and his wife, Marisela, are banged up, but are doing ok. However, the truck and the equipment are likely a total loss. Let's show Jaime and his family how much we appreciate what they do and help them get back on their feet," the campaign message reads.
Police arrested Cammon within minutes of the crash in the 2700 block of West Chicago Avenue, where they said they found a bag containing a bow and arrow in the stolen car.
Cammon has been charged with felony possession of a stolen car, misdemeanor unauthorized use of a weapon and misdemeanor driving without having been issued a license, police said.
Banuelos said he's glad police arrested Cammon.
"Keep him away from the Continental," he said.
