On August 5, 2023, Logan Crank, a 26-year-old resident of Streator, Illinois, died as a result of an accidental shooting involving his father, Harold L. Crank. The incident occurred at a residence in the 1700 block of North Bloomington Street in Streator. According to reports, Harold Crank, who was 53 at the time, was arguing with his son and was gesticulating with a 9-mm pistol in his hand when a shot was inadvertently discharged.
The bullet struck Logan in the hip, and he subsequently died from his injuries.
Harold Crank was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter, a Class 3 felony, which carries a prison sentence of two to five years but also allows for alternate sentences such as probation. He was initially held on a $150,000 bond, requiring $15,000 in cash for release from La Salle County Jail.
On August 29, 2024, Harold Crank pleaded guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter in La Salle County Circuit Court. During the proceedings, La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro stated that there was no malicious intent involved, describing the incident as an accident. As a result, Harold Crank was sentenced to 30 months of reporting probation, along with 14 days in jail (which he had already served). He is also required to surrender his firearm owner’s identification card within a month.
Logan Crank was born in Ottawa, Illinois, and is survived by his parents, Melissa Crank (Calkins) and Harold "Bucky" Crank, Jr., as well as his children, Kaibrey Crank and Kaison Crank, and his sister Caitlin Jones (William Veach).
Following Logan's death, his family has been involved in a community project to create a playground in his memory. Melissa Crank is partnering with the City of Streator and the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to establish Logan’s Oasis Playground at Marilla Park, a favorite destination for Logan and his children. The playground aims to include inclusive features such as a handicap play area and an autism interaction area.
