Reckless Driver Hits Pedestrian In East Chicago
On Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at approximately 2 PM, East Chicago Police Officers were dispatched to 919 W Chicago Avenue in reference to a hit and run accident, according to Police Chief Jose Rivera.
Upon arrival officers located a male victim lying face down on Chicago Ave in front of 909 W Chicago Avenue. Officers also located a white 2002 GMC Yukon a few blocks down on Chicago Ave. that was flipped over. Officers spoke with a (Witness) standing outside by the flipped over vehicle. The witness stated that he seen the driver of the vehicle crawl out of the vehicle and start walking away from the vehicle. The witness was able to point him out as the driver of the vehicle as the suspect was approximately 100 yards (North East) of the vehicle walking away from the scene through an empty parking lot, police told RNS.
Officers approached the driver that was identified by the witness and noticed the male had a ripped left sleeve and was bleeding from his shoulder. Officers then placed him under arrest and asked if he needed medical treatment. The driver refused medical treatment on scene. The driver was then transported to the East Chicago Police Department Jail for processing.
The victim who was identified as 65 year old male from East Chicago was flown out to Advocate Christ Medical Center in serious condition, police stated.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the white GMC Yukon was traveling east bound on Chicago Avenue going in and out of traffic and traveling onto oncoming traffic in a reckless manner. While driving reckless the vehicle was seen striking the victim who was crossing the road on his bicycle. The vehicle then fled the scene after striking the bicyclist and lost control a few blocks away flipping over. City of East Chicago surveillance cameras captured the incident.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as 39 year old Ronald V. King of Hammond, Indiana. He was charged with Failure of duty and Reckless Driving.
