On Friday May 13, 2016, Officers from the West Chicago Police Department responded to the area of the 1000 block of Joliet Street for the report of an individual who had been struck by a vehicle while he was cutting his grass. The offending vehicle left the scene after striking the individual. While investigating this incident, officers from the West Chicago Police Department were provided with a video of the crash from a neighbor’s home surveillance system. The West Chicago Police Department utilized the press and Facebook in hopes of identifying the driver.
On today’s date, May 18, 2016, Eulalio A. Garcia, a resident of West Chicago, came into the Police Station to provide a statement. Mr. Garcia admitted to being the driver of the White Minivan that struck the victim, Jose G. Ballines. Mr. Garcia explained while traveling northbound Joliet Street he veered off the roadway, causing him to drive over a curb. Mr. Garcia was unaware that he had struck a pedestrian.
Mr. Garcia was cited, for Failure to Render Aid or Give Information regarding a Personal Injury Crash, which is a class A misdemeanor, punishable up to 365 days in jail and up to $1,000.00 dollars in fines. Mr. Garcia is scheduled to appear at DuPage County Court on June 21, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.
