Decatur, IL (February 25, 2026) – A 62-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries after a hit-and-run crash early Wednesday, February 25, at Oakland Avenue and Eldorado Avenue. The collision was reported just before 2:30 a.m.
Police said an SUV was traveling east on Eldorado Avenue when it struck the woman. The vehicle then left the area without stopping to provide aid or information. Emergency units arrived and took the woman to a hospital for treatment.
Later that morning, around 11:30 a.m., officers arrested 36-year-old Darkece T. Johnson. He faces charges including aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm, DUI, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident for more than 30 minutes, and failure to give aid or information. Police also said Johnson was on parole and is being held on a parole hold.
The crash remains under investigation. We extend our thoughts to the injured woman and wish her a full recovery.
Why Are Hit-and-Run Crashes Treated So Seriously?
Hit-and-run incidents can delay medical care for injured people. When a driver leaves the scene, it may take longer for someone to call for help or provide details about what happened. Quick response time can make a difference in severe injury cases.
Crashes involving pedestrians often lead to serious harm because a person has little protection against a moving vehicle. The force of impact can cause head injuries, broken bones, or internal trauma.
In many cases, investigators review surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle damage to identify the driver. Charges may increase if impairment is suspected or if the person fails to remain at the scene to assist.
