Waukegan police said they have identified the drivers of the two vehicles involved in the hit-and-run death this month of a Waukegan teen.
However, police said there have been no charges filed in the ongoing investigation into the death of Jorge Carmona, 17.
Police said Carmona was riding a bicycle west on Belvidere Road near Fulton Avenue at about 12:44 a.m. on Nov. 10 when he was hit by a vehicle and then run over by a second car. The youth was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither vehicle remained at the scene.
In an update released Thursday, police said they have located both vehicles. Authorities took possession of one of the cars on Nov. 13 in Waukegan and identified a passenger who confirmed that the vehicle was involved in Carmon’s death. Police are seeking the driver.
The second vehicle was located in Vernon Hills on Nov. 14, and the driver, in an interview, acknowledged hitting something with their vehicle.
The cases will be screened by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office for possible charges.
Pedestrian safety
Waukegan police offered some timely safety tips on social media for pedestrian safety. During a two-week stretch in October, five pedestrians were struck and killed by motor vehicles around Lake County.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded more than 7,500 pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2022. WPD shared these tips for drivers: Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times; Use extra caution when driving at night or in bad weather; Slow down and be prepared to stop; Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks; Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Follow the speed limit, especially in school zones and in neighborhoods; Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
For pedestrians, WPD said: Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals; Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available; If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible; Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections; If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area to cross; Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots; Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking.
Turkey day
A couple of notes for Thanksgiving.
The John Callaghan Memorial Turkey Trot will take place starting at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving in Gurnee. The 5K fun run and walk is designed to bring the community together and raise money for the John Callaghan Fund, named for a Gurnee student who died from cancer in 1997.
The event also raises money for the Gurnee Community Youth Work Camp, which takes on projects locally and around the nation to help underprivileged people. For more information, go online at gurneeturkeytrot2024.eventbrite.com.
Lake County police departments and the sheriff’s office will be out in force around the Thanksgiving holiday to ensure that the roads remain safe, especially from impaired drivers. Buckle up and drive safely throughout the holiday season.
