Executive Summary
- Incident: Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run involving a bicyclist on Route 53.
- Timeline: The crash is believed to have occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on November 24, though the victim was found the following morning.
- Suspect Vehicle: Investigators are searching for a black 2007–2013 Chevrolet Silverado with front-end damage.
- Contact: Public tips can be directed to ISP investigators at 815-221-2709.
Illinois State Police (ISP) have launched an investigation into a fatal hit-and-run collision involving a bicyclist and are soliciting public assistance to locate the suspect vehicle. Authorities are focusing their search on a specific make and model of a truck based on evidence recovered from the scene.
According to ISP reports, troopers responded to the southbound lanes of Route 53 at Thele Road at approximately 8:29 a.m. on November 25. Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered a male victim on the ground who had been struck by a vehicle. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators have determined that the collision likely occurred the previous evening, November 24, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ISP officials stated that evidence collected at the crash site includes a headlight and a portion of a bumper. Based on these findings, the vehicle involved is believed to be a black Chevrolet Silverado, with a model year ranging from 2007 to 2013, exhibiting front-end damage.
Law enforcement is urging anyone who may have been in the vicinity during the estimated time of the crash, or who possesses relevant dashcam or surveillance footage, to come forward. Tips can be directed to ISP investigators at 815-221-2709 or submitted via the ISP Crime Tip website.
Investigative Outlook
This incident underscores the critical reliance of law enforcement on forensic debris analysis to solve vehicular crimes where witnesses are initially absent. The recovery of specific components, such as the headlight assembly, allows investigators to narrow the pool of potential vehicles significantly. However, the substantial time gap between the estimated time of the collision and the discovery of the victim presents challenges in securing immediate scene containment and witnessing accounts, making community cooperation essential for the progression of the case.
