COOK COUNTY, IL – A 38-year-old Blue Island man has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that killed a man who was crossing the street in a mobility scooter, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.
At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, Robbins Police contacted Sheriff’s Police requesting an investigation of a fatal crash that occurred near the intersection of 139th Street and Kedzie Avenue.
Sheriff’s Police Detectives responded and learned that a vehicle struck 63-year-old Sammy Simmons in the crosswalk and then drove off. Simmons was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
During their investigation, Detectives learned that David Avalos was driving the minivan that struck Simmons, and that Avalos had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages before getting behind the wheel.
On Jan. 21, Avalos was taken into custody. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office charged him with aggravated DUI causing death and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death.
Avalos was ordered to Cook County Jail custody on Jan. 22 following his initial court appearance at the Markham Courthouse.
The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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