Tiffany Thomas Obituary, Death; – A driver has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident involving a pedestrian on New Year’s Day, as announced by Waukegan police on Monday.
Victor Rivas-Martinez Jr., a 22-year-old resident of Waukegan, was apprehended and faces charges including failure to remain at the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving without a valid license, and lacking proof of insurance.
According to police reports, on January 1, patrol officers were dispatched to the vicinity of Lewis Avenue and Jenkinson Court following a report of an individual lying by the roadside. Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman, later identified as Tiffany Thomas, 44, from North Chicago, unresponsive on the east side of Lewis Avenue. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators found personal belongings and vehicle debris scattered along the northbound lane and parkway, extending just south of Monroe Street.
An autopsy conducted by the Lake County Coroner’s Office determined that her death resulted from blunt force injuries sustained in the collision. The driver, later identified as Rivas-Martinez, had fled the scene before officers arrived, according to police.
The investigation into the incident provided leads regarding the vehicle involved, a gray 2003 Toyota sedan, which was located in Waukegan. The vehicle exhibited damage consistent with the crash, and evidence was collected from the scene.
The vehicle was subsequently towed to the Waukegan Police Department and secured while awaiting a search warrant for further examination. A search warrant was obtained on January 2 to process the vehicle.
Rivas-Martinez claimed to officers that he had struck a raccoon, which he said caused damage to his vehicle; however, police noted that this explanation did not align with the observed damage. Rivas-Martinez made an appearance in court on January 2. No additional information has been released.
