State Police seek witnesses to fatal hit and run

Published by admin on Tue, 12/02/2025 - 3:50pm

This map shows where Thele Road at Route 53 is in relation to Elwood. State Police are looking for anyone who may have witnessed hit and run accident involving a bicyclist on Nov. 24.

ELWOOD—The Illinois State Police (ISP) is requesting the public’s assistance with a fatal crash investigation.
On Tuesday, Nov. 25, at approximately 8:29 a.m., ISP responded to Route 53 southbound at Thele Road in Elwood for a report of a person on the ground. Upon arrival, Troopers located a male bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle.
The bicyclist, DeAvion Smith, 25, of Joliet, was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet and was pronounced deceased at 9:17 a.m.
State Police investigators believe the crash occurred on November 24, sometime between 6 - 6:30 p.m.
The offending vehicle was possibly a black 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The vehicle’s front headlight and part of the bumper were found at the scene. The vehicle was traveling southbound on Route 53.
Anyone driving in the area at the time of the crash, anyone who witnessed the crash, or anyone who may have dash camera video of the incident or video of the location near the time of the crash, are asked to please contact ISP Special Agents at 815-221-2709 or submit a tip on ISP’s Crime Tip website.

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