Suspect identified in deadly hit and run incident
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – A hit and run accident has caused a road closure in Williamson County.
The road is back open, and law enforcement has been unable to locate the person who left the scene of the hit and incident.
Law enforcement efforts to locate the vehicle or its owner have been unsuccessful.
It is imperative to the investigation to locate the vehicle and speak with the operator to determine any involvement in this incident.
If you have any information concerning this or any other investigation, please contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618.997.6541 or “Submit A Tip” on the Williamson County Sheriff’s App.A hit and run accident has caused a road closure in Williamson County.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office says they are currently on the scene of a vehicle versus electric bike hit-and-run accident.
Skyline Drive is currently reduced to one lane between Aisin Drive and Crenshaw Road.
The road is expected to be fully closed for accident reconstruction from 7:00am – 9:00am.
Drivers should seek an alternative route.
The victim was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries and has since been airlifted to a regional trauma center.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accident and is being assisted by the Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Team.
If you have any information concerning this or any other investigation, please contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618.997.6541 or “Submit A Tip” on the Williamson County Sheriff’s App.
Sheriff Jeff Diederich is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a vehicle of interest.
Update: The Hit & Run Victim Succumbed to injuries and passed away.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has learned the victim of a November 27, 2024, hit and run accident has succumbed to injuries in a St. Louis area hospital.
The victim’s been identified as 44-year-old Jose A. Bautista Jr.
The accident resulted in significant efforts by investigators, including a request for public assistance, to locate the driver of the vehicle.
On November 28, 2024, Deputies, with the help of a good Samaritan, located the suspect vehicle and driver.
The driver, identified as Guillermo “Henry” Lopez was detained, cited with multiple offenses, and taken into the custody of the Williamson County Jail.
This matter has been referred to the Williamson County State’s Attorney for additional charges.
Lopez provided an interview during which he stated that he knew he was involved in an accident.
Lopez was cited for the following:
Motor vehicle crashes involving death or personal injuries.
<A violation of 625 ILCS 5/11-401(b) — Class 2 Felony>
Motor vehicle crash involving damage to vehicle.
<A violation of 625 ILCS 5/11-402 — Class A Misdemeanor>
Duty to give information and render aid.
<A violation of 625 ILCS 5/11-403 — Class A misdemeanor>
Reckless Driving.
<A violation of 625 ILCS 5/11-503 — Class A Misdemeanor>
Failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
<A violation of 625 ILCS 5/11-601 —
Petty Offense>
Improper Lighting – One headlight
<A violation of 625 ILCS 5/12-201 — Petty Offense>
Operation of uninsured motor vehicle.
<A violation of 625 ILCS 5/3-707 — Business Offense>
