A Winthrop Harbor man has been charged in the September hit-and-run death of a Zion woman who was struck by an SUV as she rode her bike near Wadsworth, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.
The sheriff’s office said Alex Landa, 33, of the 700 block of Franklin, was indicted by a Lake County grand jury on failure to report an accident causing death and aggravated DUI causing death.
Police say Landa was driving the GMC SUV that struck and killed Tiana Smith, 18, at about 11:45 p.m. on Sept. 6. Smith was riding her bicycle on Dilleys Road, just south of Wadsworth Road when she was hit from behind.
The impact threw Smith from the bike, which lodged underneath the SUV as it fled the scene, according to police. Smith was then struck by a southbound vehicle as she lay in the road.
Based on witness reports, police were able to track the vehicle to a Winthrop Harbor residence and identify Landa as the driver.
“No family should have to endure such a tragedy, and we hope these charges bring them the first measure of justice,” Sheriff John Idleburg said. “I commend our crash investigations team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the driver was held accountable.
“Their dedication to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for victims is a testament to their professionalism and commitment to our community’s safety,” he said.
