Mental health issues alleged in golf course crash as victim remains in ICU with brain bleeds

CHICAGO (WGN) —  A man accused of driving erratically on a golf course and striking a 70-year-old man will remain behind bars following a court appearance on Thursday.

Tory Gardner, 30, of Cicero, faces one felony count of aggravated battery to a senior citizen with great bodily harm and unlawful use of a weapon following the Monday, May 12, incident at Billy Caldwell Golf Course. 

According to forest preserve officials, Gardner allegedly drove a Dodge SUV onto the Far Northwest Side area course and struck the 70-year-old golfer at the fifth hole. The golfer remains in the intensive care unit. Gardner reportedly entered through a maintenance roadway that was inaccessible for public use. 

According to the criminal complaint, several patrons attempted to stop Gardner and direct him off the course. An off-duty golf course employee also tried to stop Gardner. 

“The defendant at one point exited his vehicle and charged an employee with a knife. The defendant re-entered his vehicle and continued driving on the golf course at a high rate of speed, as numerous patrons and employees attempted to stop him,” the criminal complaint reads.

The employee punctured Gardner’s right rear tire, and another drove his silver Honda onto the course to warn other patrons while pursuing the suspect. Officials say that’s when Gardner struck the 70-year-old golfer. He did not stop after impact.

“The defendant continued to drive recklessly until he was detained by officers. The victim was admitted to the ICU for numerous brain bleeds,” the criminal complaint reads.

Court records revealed that Gardner allegedly admitted to driving onto the golf course as a shortcut. He also acknowledged to the police that he struck a pedestrian. While in custody, Gardner reportedly stated the victim was yelling at him, and that’s why he hit him.

Authorities said that Gardner expressed no remorse.

In a healthcare order filed with the court, prosecutors say Gardner reported mental health issues and was exhibiting erratic behavior. It’s not the first time Gardner has had a run-in with the law, however. 

Cook County court records show that in 2023, police cited the 30-year-old for failing to reduce his speed to avoid an accident. Ten years earlier, in 2013, Gardner pled guilty to armed robbery without a firearm. He was also previously charged with possession of a controlled substance. 

According to Gardner’s attorney, his family claims to have noticed schizophrenic behaviors from him after he was shot in the head about seven months ago. 

Gardner is due back in court on Wednesday, June 11.