Man, 38, Charged In Hit-And-Run That Killed Man, 63, On Mobility Scooter: Sheriff

ROBBINS, IL — A 38-year-old Blue Island man has been charged in connection with a crash that killed a man who was crossing the street in a mobility scooter in Robbins earlier this month, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart said Friday.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. Jan. 9, Robbins Police contacted Sheriff’s Police requesting an
investigation of a fatal crash that occurred near the intersection of 139th Street and Kedzie Avenue.

Sheriff’s Police detectives responded and learned that a vehicle struck 63-year-old Sammy Simmons in the crosswalk and then drove off. Simmons was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

During their investigation, detectives learned that David Avalos was driving the minivan that struck Simmons, and that Avalos had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages before getting behind the wheel.

On Jan. 21, Avalos was taken into custody. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office charged him with aggravated DUI causing death and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death.

Avalos was ordered to Cook County Jail custody on Jan. 22 following his initial court appearance at the Markham Courthouse.