A popular TikTok creator known as “Tea Tyme” is in custody after she allegedly struck and killed a man while livestreaming her drive through a Chicago suburb.
Tynesha McCarty-Wroten was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 23, in connection with the Nov. 3 death of 59-year-old Darren Lucas.
Authorities charged her with reckless homicide and the aggravated use of an electronic communication device.
The incident occurred around 5:46 p.m. at an intersection in Zion.
Darren Lucas was walking home from his shift at a local grocery store when he was struck by a vehicle.
Though he was rushed to Vista Medical Center, he was later pronounced dead.
Police say McCarty-Wroten was driving with an 8-year-old child in the car at the time of the impact.
While she remained at the scene and cooperated with the initial investigation, she reportedly told officers she had a green light and did not see Lucas.
The investigation took a turn when members of the public alerted police to a TikTok livestream from the account “Tea_Tyme_3.”
Witnesses say the video showed McCarty-Wroten talking to her phone while driving.
In the recording, a loud “thump” is heard, followed by the driver shouting, “F—, f—, f— … I just hit somebody.”
While McCarty-Wroten initially refused to let police search her phone, forensic analysis later confirmed the video was recorded at the exact time of the crash.
Investigators also reviewed local business surveillance footage, which allegedly shows her driving through a red light without slowing down.
Following the crash, McCarty-Wroten faced online outrage after she allegedly asked followers for Cash App donations to fund a “mental leave” from social media.
Police moved in to arrest her shortly after a warrant was issued this week.
Officers noted that she appeared to be attempting to leave her home with packed bags when they arrived.
She is currently being held as the legal process moves forward in Lake County.
