Man Accused Of Fleeing Fatal Crash In West Chicago

WEST CHICAGO, IL — A man is in custody after he was accused of fleeing the scene of a crash that killed a motorcyclist in West Chicago. Jose Barrera Munoz, 40, of the 300 block of Church Street, West Chicago, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death and driving with a suspended license in connection with the Sept. 6 incident.

Police were called to the area near Kings Circle and Neltnor Boulevard around 7:15 p.m. for a report of a crash involving injuries. When they got to the scene, they found a man on the ground, a news release said. The man was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead.

According to prosecutors, Barrera Munoz was driving north on Neltnor when he attempted to make a left turn and turned in front of a motorcyclist who was driving south. Police say the motorcycle hit the driver's side of Barrera Munoz's car and that the man was thrown from the motorcycle.

Barrera Munoz is accused of fleeing the scene on foot following the crash. He was taken into custody the following morning and is being held in DuPage County Jail on $500,000 bond.

“If you are involved in an accident, fatal or not, not stopping is not an option,” Berlin said. “The allegation that Mr. Barrera Munoz was involved in a crash that sent a man flying off his motorcycle and onto the ground and that instead of rendering aid, he fled on foot, leaving his car behind, are extremely upsetting,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statment.

He added,“Additionally, the actions alleged against Mr. Barrera Munoz are not only disgraceful, they are also illegal. I extend my sincerest condolences to the victim’s family and friends as they grieve this senseless, terrible loss."

Barrera Munoz is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 2.