Hobart Man Fatally Hit By Two Cars Tuesday Morning
On Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at approximately 4:59 AM, Hobart Police responded to the area of Route 6 and Route 51 (3600 block of Randolph Street) in reference to a car that struck a pedestrian, according to Captain James Gonzales.
Upon arrival of officers they met with the driver of the vehicle, who stated he was traveling northbound in the right lane on Route 51 (3600 block of Randolph Street), he stated he knew the right lane came to end and he had to merge into the left lane, so he began to merge. He stated as he merged into the left lane he struck something and his windshield was shattered. He stated he stopped his car to and got out to check to see what he hit and realized it was a pedestrian, he told officers that he called 9-1-1 to report the accident and while he was on the phone another vehicle traveling northbound struck the pedestrian and dragged him several feet. The driver told officers that the driver of the vehicle didn’t stop and continued to travel north.
Officers on scene spoke to other witnesses and confirmed what the driver stated about the second vehicle striking the victim and dragging him. Hobart Detectives are actively following up on leads on the identity of the second driver.
The Lake County Sheriff reconstruction unit was called to assist with the investigation along with The Lake County Coroner’s Office.
The driver who initially struck the victim submitted to field sobriety tests, which showed no impairment and he also submitted to a portable breath test, which also determined he wasn’t intoxicated, Gonzales said.
The decedent has been identified as Thomas McMahon, 67 years old of Hobart. The Hobart Police Department extended their deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. McMahon.
The investigator assigned to the case, Detective Mattel is asking for assistance from the public from anyone who may have seen this elderly gentleman walking in the area prior to the accident. Anyone with any information can contact Detective Michael Mattel at mmattel@cityofhobart.org or at his desk phone 219-942-4443.
