A Skokie man is facing a felony charge after police say he struck and killed a pedestrian, then drove off from the scene late Sunday afternoon. Officers identified the driver as Umeshbhai Parikh, who was arrested Monday at the Skokie Police Department. He is charged with one felony count of leaving the scene of an accident involving death and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Skokie Courthouse.
What Police Say Happened
Skokie police told FOX 32 Chicago the crash happened just before 4 p.m. Sunday at Crawford Avenue and Kirk Street. A vehicle traveling northbound on Crawford allegedly struck a man who was crossing westbound. The pedestrian died from his injuries, and his identity has not yet been released, according to the station.
Police say the driver left the area before officers arrived. After investigators followed up on multiple leads, Parikh was taken into custody at the police department on Monday, FOX 32 Chicago reported.
What The Felony Charge Covers
Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/11-401 (Illinois General Assembly), drivers involved in crashes that result in injury or death are required to stop, provide identifying information and render aid. Failing to stop after a crash that causes death can be prosecuted as a felony.
The law also requires drivers who leave the scene to report the crash "as soon as possible" and allows for enhanced penalties when a fatality is involved. In this case, prosecutors approved one felony count of leaving the scene of an accident involving death. A conviction can carry prison time as well as revocation of driving privileges.
Police Still Seeking Witnesses
Skokie police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call the department at 847-982-5900. That number, along with the department’s headquarters at 7300 Niles Center Road, is listed on the agency’s contact page.
As reported by FOX 32 Chicago, investigators are urging witnesses to come forward as they continue to piece together what led up to the collision. Parikh’s pretrial hearing is set for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Skokie Courthouse, according to the station.
The Bigger Picture On Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian crashes remain a persistent concern across Illinois, and state crash data indicate that vulnerable road users have made up a growing share of traffic deaths in recent years. Per IDOT roadway crash data, local agencies use these trends to help steer safety projects and enforcement priorities.
Advocates often point to street design and speed management as key tools for preventing these kinds of tragedies and reducing the number of fatal encounters between drivers and people on foot.
