Arrest In Fatal Burr Ridge Hit-And-Run Crash: Police

BURR RIDGE, IL — A suspect in the hit-and-run crash last weekend in Burr Ridge has been arrested, Burr Ridge police said Thursday.

Burr Ridge officials identified the suspect as Marvin Mejia, 18, of Woodridge. He was charged with failure to report an accident involving death, a felony. His bond was set at $50,000.

"There was an anonymous tip that assisted the investigation that led to the arrest," Mayor Gary Grasso said during a mid-morning news conference at the police station.

The crash victim was Alex L. Hunt, 16, of Chicago, police said .

Grasso said "excellent media coverage" and cooperation with other police departments played key roles in the investigation. That cooperation also included Northern Illinois University, officials said, although they didn't say why the school would be involved.

About 9:30 p.m. Saturday, two southbound drivers struck Hunt as he was walking east across Route 83 at Central Avenue, police said. The drivers had a green light, prosecutors said. Burr Ridge officers found Hunt laying on the ground about 150 feet south of the intersection.

Hunt was taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, where he died as a result of his injuries, authorities said.

"It's tragic. It affected all of us," Police Chief John Madden said at the news conference. "It affected the detectives and officers here who worked nonstop because of the circumstances of this case and this young man losing his life."

In an interview with WGN, Hunt's aunt, Kenyata Calvin, said, "He was loving. He was caring. He had a beautiful smile. He was very mature for his age."

Loved ones told WGN that Hunt liked to play sports and planned to serve in the military.

Mejia was driving the Jeep in the hit-and-run crash, officials said. The other vehicle was said to be a dark SUV, possibly a 2013-15 Toyota, which may have front and right side damage.

Police are also seeking help identifying a dark Acura SUV with Wisconsin license plates. It was seen leaving the area, police said.

“I extend my condolences to Alex’s family, and I hope the quick conclusion of this case can bring them a sense of closure,” Madden said in a news release.