Portage man Charged in Lake Station Hit-and-Run
According to court documents, a Portage man has been charged after allegedly striking a pedestrian with his car in Lake Station and fleeing the scene without stopping.
The crash happened on September 1, 2025, around 1:27 p.m. at the intersection of Central Avenue and Clay Street. Witnesses reported that a gray Ford Focus turned onto Central and hit an 18-year-old woman crossing the street, throwing her into the air before speeding away westbound. The victim was flown by helicopter to the University of Chicago Medical Center with head trauma and multiple other injuries .
Investigators said they identified the vehicle through surveillance footage and license plate reader records. The car was later traced to 30-year-old David Michael Sass of Portage. Police reported that Sass first denied driving, then admitted he was behind the wheel with his wife and three children inside the vehicle. He told officers he heard a “thud” but didn’t stop because his license was suspended. Detectives said Sass admitted removing the front license plate afterward to make the vehicle less identifiable .
Charges filed September 4, 2025:
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Moderate or Serious Bodily Injury (Level 6 Felony)
• Obstruction of Justice (Level 6 Felony)
• Driving While Suspended – Prior Conviction within 10 Years (Class A Misdemeanor)
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
