North Aurora man fled after his SUV struck a man in a crosswalk near East Wilson Street
April 10, 2026 | Batavia, IL
A 69-year-old pedestrian suffered injuries in a hit-and-run crash at a busy intersection, leading to the arrest of a 28-year-old driver on felony charges, authorities reported.
Jacob Belarmino, 28, was arrested after a hit-and-run crash in which a Toyota Highlander struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk on Route 25 in Batavia.
What Happened in the Crash?
Early on April 10, a northbound Toyota Highlander struck the man while turning onto East Wilson Street from Route 25 around 5:30 a.m. The driver fled, but police quickly identified and apprehended the suspect.
- Location: Route 25 and East Wilson Street, Batavia, Illinois
- Time: Approximately 5:30 a.m. on April 10
- Vehicle: Toyota Highlander traveling northbound
- Victim: 69-year-old male pedestrian in the crosswalk
- Injuries: The pedestrian was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries sustained
- Response Agency: Batavia Police Department
Who Was Arrested and What Charges Were Filed?
Jacob Belarmino, 28, from North Aurora, was located shortly after the incident and taken into custody. He faces multiple charges, including felony leaving the scene of an injury accident, along with related offenses.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur So Frequently?
Hit-and-run incidents remain a significant concern on U.S. roadways. According to the Federal Highway Administration, drivers must stop and provide aid after any collision, yet fear of legal consequences often leads to flight.
Common factors contributing to these crashes include:
- Intoxication or impaired driving
- Operating without a valid license
- Concerns over prior violations or warrants
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that hit-and-runs account for about 11% of all reported crashes nationwide.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of crashes involving hit-and-run drivers |
11% |
NHTSA |
Frequency of hit-and-run incidents |
More than one per minute |
NHTSA |
Pedestrian fatalities in hit-and-runs (annual average) |
Over 2,000 |
CDC |
Legal Insights on Hit-and-Run Cases
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough independent investigation is crucial to safeguarding victims' rights and establishing accountability.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
Key takeaways from legal analysis:
- Prompt attorney involvement preserves critical evidence like witness statements and surveillance footage
- Factors such as poor lighting or obscured signs can shift liability beyond the fleeing driver
- Victims should avoid hasty settlements to maximize potential recovery for medical costs and lost wages
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, emphasized the broader impacts of such injuries.
“Stress from an injury is overwhelming. It disrupts all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life. It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company for a client. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Potential for Personal Injury Claims
Following the ongoing police investigation, the injured pedestrian may pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for damages. This could cover hospital bills, rehabilitation, and emotional distress.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).