Rockford Sees Two Serious Traffic Crashes in One Evening

Hit-and-Run Leaves Bicyclist with Life-Threatening Injuries

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Rockford Police responded to a hit-and-run crash involving a car and a bicyclist near N. Central and Montrose.

The bicyclist, a 69-year-old man, sustained life-threatening injuries but is currently listed in stable condition, according to the Rockford PD press release.

The vehicle involved fled the scene but was located shortly after by a Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputy. The driver, 30-year-old Ricardo Jimenez of Rockford, was taken into custody.

The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office has authorized charges against Jimenez, including failure to report a crash involving injury and various traffic offenses.

Multi-Vehicle Crash Injures Two on E. State Street

Later the same evening, at approximately 9:55 p.m., Rockford Police were called to the 6600 block of E. State Street for a multi-vehicle crash involving three cars.

Two of the vehicles required extrication by emergency crews. Two occupants were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Following an investigation, 23-year-old James Young of Rockford and 25-year-old Hamed Hashem of Roscoe were charged with reckless driving and street racing. Additional charges and arrests remain possible as the investigation continues.

How to Assist

The Rockford Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding these incidents to come forward.

Tips can be submitted via phone at 815-966-2900 or anonymously through the Rockford PD App or Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.

These charges are accusations, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.