Driver Who Fled Fatal Motorcycle Crash Arrested: Des Plaines PD

DES PLAINES, IL — Following an 18-month investigation, an arrest has been made in a fatal crash in which a motorcyclist drove into a car, and the driver fled the scene on foot. Christian Antonio Vargas, of the 600 block of E. Oakton St., Des Plaines, is accused of failure to report a fatal motor vehicle accident and failure to give information/render aid stemming from the July 27, 2024, crash.

Nico K. Watkins, 31, of Glen Ellyn, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Des Plaines police.

Vargas, who was arrested on Jan. 22, was due in court Monday to face the charges approved by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Police said several witnesses at the scene of the crash, and the return of forensic evidence, identified Vargas as the driver of a black Ford Focus involved.

As Patch reported in 2024, the crash occurred at around 2:10 a.m. July 27, in the 900 block of Elmhurst Road. Police found Watkins lying in the roadway, unresponsive. An investigation revealed Watkins was traveling at a high rate of speed on his 2001 Suzuki GSXR motorcycle in the northbound lanes of Elmhurst Road when he struck a car driven by Vargas, who had been exiting a plaza to go southbound. Police said Vargas fled the scene on foot.

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The roadway was closed for nearly six hours following the crash for the subsequent investigation.

The family of Watkins said he had a "kind heart," who would give anyone the shirt off his back. A GoFundMe had been set up for Watkins' memorial service. The campaign lists his mother, Debra Brown, as the beneficiary. As of Monday, the campaign, which is still open, has raised over $12,000 of a $10,000 goal.

RELATED: Motorcyclist Who Died In Hit-And-Run Had 'Kind Heart' — GoFundMe