Person of interest arrested after deadly hit-and-run claims life of 17-year-old in Gary

In Waukegan, Illinois, on January 1, 2025, a 44-year-old woman named Tiffany Thomas was fatally struck by a vehicle while she was walking on the side of the road. Patrol officers responded to reports of an individual down and found Thomas unresponsive on the east side of Lewis Avenue. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene, with the autopsy later confirming her death resulted from blunt force injuries. The driver, identified as 22-year-old Victor Rivas-Martinez Jr., fled the scene before the police arrived, prompting an investigation into the matter. Authorities found evidence related to the crash, which included personal belongings of the victim and vehicle debris scattered along the road. Through their investigation, officers tracked down a gray 2003 Toyota sedan belonging to Rivas-Martinez. This vehicle bore damage consistent with the accident involving Thomas. After obtaining a search warrant, police processed the vehicle for additional evidence, disproving Rivas-Martinez's claims that he had only hit a raccoon, as the damage was inconsistent with such an event. He was charged on January 2, 2025, with multiple offenses including failure to remain at the scene, failure to report an accident, and driving without a valid license or insurance. This incident highlights a tragic series of events leading to Thomas's death and raises concerns about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers. The investigation aims to seek justice for the victim and accountability from the perpetrator, with community members expressing their outrage and sorrow over the loss. Rivas-Martinez's case is part of a concerning trend involving hit-and-run incidents throughout the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased public awareness about the consequences of such reckless behavior. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of negligence on the road, as well as the importance of remaining at the scene of an accident and supporting those affected by such tragedies. The family of Tiffany Thomas is expected to seek justice for her untimely death, while the community grapples with the loss and advocates for legal avenues to prevent similar occurrences in the future.