A confrontation between a driver and a group of individuals on mopeds and an ATV ended with one of those riders seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the area of 17250 West 4000 North Road in Essex at approximately 10:21 p.m. Saturday for reports of a hit and run.
Authorities say a group of four friends were in the area riding mopeds and four-wheelers when a person in a light-blue sedan stopped on the roadway and accused them of cutting him off.
The driver then yelled expletives about “staying out of Essex” before driving away, police said.
A short time later a white pickup truck, either a super-duty or a lifted truck, with bright LED headlights and four-to-six yellow lights approached the group at a high rate of speed along the side of the road. Three of the four individuals were able to jump into a ditch, but a fourth was hit by the vehicle.
The 28-year-old man sustained serious injuries and he remains hospitalized after undergoing multiple surgeries, police said.
Detectives believe there is damage to the front driver’s side of the truck. They’re also asking anyone with cameras to share surveillance footage with police as they seek a suspect.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office at 815-802-7150. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling CrimeStoppers at 815-93-CRIME.
