The man who evaded police for three weeks after running from a crash that left a Riverside woman dead has pleaded guilty to reckless homicide, but escaped jail time.


On Wednesday, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Tucker sentenced Stephen J. Pocina, 46, to three years probation and community service hours for taking the life of 58-year-old Kathleen Talmage on the morning of March 3, 2006.


In addition to reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony, Pocina also pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, a more serious Class 2 felony, which could have resulted in a prison term of up to 14 years.


Talmage, a 40-year employee of the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad had just arrived at her job as a ticket agent at the Metra station at

7135 W. Windsor Ave.
in Berwyn when Pocina slammed his green Range Rover into the building at around


Critically injured by the impact of the crash, Talmage lay dying as Pocina staggered out of the vehicle and fled from the scene. She died within an hour of the crash. Pocina remained at large for the next three weeks.


Pocina was arrested March 23 at an Oak Brook condominium owned by his uncle. He has remained free on bond since being charged.


For a full report, see the Sept. 3 Landmark.