A driver was arrested after authorities say she struck a bicyclist, causing him to be ejected 100 feet and suffer serious injuries, and fled the scene in Zion.
The Zion Police Department and Zion Fire and Rescue Department responded around 8:50 p.m. on August 22 to Lucy’s Appliances, 3460 Sheridan Road, for a report of a person struck by a vehicle.
Officers arrived and found a bicyclist lying on the corner near the business, according to Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Manuel Mandujano.
He suffered multiple injuries to his head, arms and legs. The victim was initially unconscious but later regained consciousness.
Mandujano said the bicyclist reported he was traveling southbound on Sheridan Road approaching Lucy’s Appliances when he was struck by a light colored sedan.
The victim suffered severe bleeding to the head and was transported to a local hospital.
Officers recovered a chrome object belonging to the front bumper of a car, Mandujano said.
Surveillance video showed the light-color sedan striking the bicyclist, causing him to be ejected 100 feet.
Mandujano said the driver of the sedan did not hesitate or attempt to stop.
The next day, staff from the store flagged down officers after a woman stopped in to the store and asked to see video of the incident, Mandujano said.
Mandujano said the woman, identified as Molly K. McHugh, 29, of Zion, told officers she thought she struck a deer and did not stop because she panicked so she drove home.
Damage consistent with the crash was found on her vehicle and she was arrested.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain McHugh pending trial, arguing that the victim suffered severe injuries and McHugh is a danger to the community.
The petition was denied by a judge and McHugh was released from custody.
McHugh is scheduled to appear in court again on October 8 for a preliminary hearing.