Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a Villa Park man accused of fleeing the scene after he struck a bicyclist with his vehicle. Joel Lazaro, 50, of the 0-100 block of N. Westmore Avenue, appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Failure to Report an Accident Involving Personal Injury (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Personal Injury or Death (Class 4 Felony).

On June 3, 2024, at approximately 7:07 p.m., Villa Park police officers responded to a call regarding a hit and run involving a vehicle and a bicyclist near Elm Street and Princeton Avenue. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that the bicyclist, a thirteen-year-old boy, was on his bike crossing the intersection at Elm Street and Princeton Avenue when a black 2013 Toyota Venza, allegedly driven by Lazaro, went through the intersection and struck him. It is further alleged that Lazaro dragged the boy approximately twenty-five feet before he became dislodged from the vehicle. After striking the boy, Lazaro allegedly drove away without checking on his condition.

Authorities identified Lazaro as the suspected driver of the Toyota through their investigation. At approximately 9:26 p.m., officers from the Villa Park Police Department went to Lazaro’s home where they allegedly observed signs on the front side of his Toyota Venza indicating involvement in an accident. Lazaro was taken into custody without incident at that time. The boy was transported to a local hospital for medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries.

“It is alleged that after striking a young boy on a bike with his vehicle, Mr. Lazaro fled instead of remaining at the scene to aid his victim,” Berlin said. “What I find particularly disturbing about this case is the allegation that hours later, after Mr. Lazaro had time to consider the situation, he still never called police or attempted to alert anyone to the crash. I thank the Villa Park Police Department for their swift response to this incident and fine police work that led to the apprehension of the defendant.”

“The alleged actions of the accused are reprehensible,” Chief Rivas said. “When a driver of a motor vehicle strikes anything on the roadway, that driver has an obligation to stop and report it... The accused also had time to reflect on his actions and contact police."

Lazaro’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 1, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.