Waukegan Police Search For Vehicle Involved in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Bicyclist

A man cycling in north suburban Waukegan was fatally struck this past Thursday at the 3600 block of North Lewis Avenue, local news sources report. Officers were called at around 11:30p.m. and arrived to find an injured man lying on the road. After being transported to the hospital, he was pronounced dead. Investigators believe the man is in his 20s or 30s, was riding his bicycle and was struck by a dark-colored sedan.

A survey of the area shows that it is a busy stretch, with Wesley Free Methodist Church and a Travelodge Hotel along the route. It is uncertain on where along Lewis Avenue the man was struck, however aside from lighting of local businesses, Lewis Avenue does not have any city street lighting, and only a sidewalk on the western side of the road.

Notwithstanding the fact that a man was killed due to a hit-and-run, Section 11-403 of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code states the duty that exists for a driver to give information and provide aid, to any person who has been injured due to their conduct:

The driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall give the driver’s name, address, …. and shall render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the carrying or the making of arrangements for the carrying of such person to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical or surgical treatment, if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such carrying is requested by the injured person.

If none of the persons entitled to information pursuant to this Section is in condition to receive and understand such information and no police officer is present, such driver after rendering reasonable assistance shall forthwith report such motor vehicle accident at the nearest office of a duly authorized police authority, disclosing the information required by this Section.

Any person failing to comply with this Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Additional to violating Section 11-403, a hit-and-run in Illinois; a person who flees the scene of an accident resulting in personal injuries or death, is also in violation of Section 11-401. This section requires that a driver “remain at the scene of the accident until the requirements of section 11-403 have been fulfilled.” Failure to comply with this section and 11-403 will open up a driver to at least a Class 4 felony and if resulting in death, a Class 1 felony. Both classes mean prison sentences, in this case a hit-and-run resulting in death will carry a possible prison sentence of between 4 to 20 years and a fine of up to $25,000.00.

A loss and tragedy such as this is unfathomable and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of this man. Waukegan police urge anyone with information to call 847-599-2630.