TikToker Tea Tyme arrested after Chicago area police confirmed the Christmas Eve arrest of a popular TikTok livestreamer accused of killing a pedestrian while broadcasting herself driving.
TikTok content creator Tea Tyme, whose real name is Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, was taken into custody on Tuesday in Zion, Illinois, nearly two months after a fatal crash that unfolded during a livestream. Authorities say the incident occurred on November 3 in a suburb north of Chicago.
According to police, McCarty-Wroten was livestreaming from her vehicle when she allegedly struck 59 year old Darren Lucas as he crossed an intersection. Investigators claim the livestream distracted the driver at the moment of impact.
McCarty-Wroten has been charged with two felony counts: reckless homicide and aggravated use of communications resulting in death. Both charges relate to allegations that she was actively engaging with viewers on TikTok while operating her vehicle.
Police stated that video from the livestream later circulated online and appeared to capture the moment of the collision. In the footage, a loud impact can be heard, followed by McCarty-Wroten reacting in shock and saying she had hit someone. A child’s voice is also audible moments before the livestream abruptly ended.
Authorities confirmed that McCarty-Wroten called 911 immediately after the crash and remained at the scene until officers arrived. Emergency responders transported Lucas to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Zion Police Department carried out the arrest but has not released further details regarding the investigation or whether additional evidence is still being reviewed.
The case has reignited public debate around distracted driving and the growing trend of livestreaming behind the wheel. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned that interacting with live audiences while driving can significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents.
As the case moves through the court system, prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on digital evidence, including archived livestream footage and phone data, to support the charges.
McCarty-Wroten remains in custody as the legal process continues.
