Pedestrian struck near Kelsey Road, suspect fled scene
March 16, 2026 | Barrington, IL
A 33-year-old man from Crystal Lake sustained serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in unincorporated Barrington.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office reported the crash occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on March 16 along westbound Illinois 22 near Kelsey Road.
John Zurawski, 73, was arrested after an alleged hit-and-run injured a pedestrian on Illinois 22 near Kelsey Road in Lake County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The pedestrian was walking along the roadway when a westbound silver Volkswagen Atlas struck him. The driver fled the scene immediately, leaving debris behind. Investigators used evidence from the site and a license plate reader to trace the vehicle to a residence on Sterling Circle in Cary.
- Victim Details: 33-year-old male from Crystal Lake, transported initially to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, then to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
- Suspect Vehicle: Silver Volkswagen Atlas.
- Suspect: John Zurawski, 73, of Cary, was arrested and held in Lake County Jail.
- Additional Factors: Authorities determined Zurawski was impaired by alcohol at the time, and further charges may be forthcoming.
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers' attempts to evade responsibility, but technology and thorough policing make identification likely. According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 11% of crashes involve drivers fleeing the scene, highlighting the prevalence of such crashes nationwide.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of crashes that are hit-and-runs |
11% |
Federal Highway Administration |
Annual pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. |
Over 7,000 |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Common contributing factors |
Alcohol impairment, poor visibility |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts stress the importance of independent investigations in hit-and-run cases to safeguard victims' rights and establish liability.
In cases such as this, having dedicated resources is crucial for examining hit-and-run accidents and demonstrating negligence. Elements like road conditions, signage, and lighting must be evaluated thoroughly to ensure injured parties receive appropriate justice and compensation.
— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives on motor vehicle crashes:
- Prompt investigations preserve critical evidence and protect against insurance tactics.
- Victims facing life disruptions from injuries benefit from professional guidance in claims.
- Fair settlements require advocacy to counter lowball offers from insurers.
Stress from such injuries affects family, work, and finances profoundly. Engaging counsel is essential for negotiating with insurers on a victim's behalf, ensuring respectful treatment and equitable compensation.
— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal
For those pursuing personal injury claims after incidents like this, contacting experienced professionals can help navigate complexities.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(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).