Suspect arrested in collision with electric bicycle; 1 person seriously injured

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) – One person is in custody after a collision involving an electric bicycle that seriously injured a man.

According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at 5:05 a.m. on Skyline Drive, just north of Aisin Drive, near Marion on Tuesday, November 26.

According to the sheriff’s office, a 44-year-old man was riding an electric scooter when he was struck by a passing vehicle.

The sheriff’s office said the victim was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries and later airlifted to a regional trauma center. He is reportedly still in critical condition.

During the subsequent investigation, investigators identified a vehicle of interest by obtaining photographic images taken both before and after the accident, showing the newly acquired vehicle damage several minutes after the incident.

Upon further investigation, the vehicle driver was identified, but law enforcement was unable to locate the vehicle or its driver and a request for public assistance was issued.

According to the sheriff’s office, on Thursday, November 28 at 8:28 p.m., deputies responded to a Good Samaritan report that the vehicle was located at Casey’s General Store on East Deyoung Street in Marion.

Officers monitored the vehicle and after the occupants returned to the vehicle, they conducted a traffic stop after it left the convenience store.

The sheriff’s office says the vehicle has been seized and a suspect, identified as Guillermo “Henry” Lopez, has been arrested.

The sheriff's office says the vehicle has been seized and a suspect has been identified as Guillermo... — The sheriff’s office says the vehicle has been seized and a suspect, identified as Guillermo “Henry” Lopez, has been arrested(Williamson County Sheriff’s Office)

Investigators have since examined the vehicle for physical evidence and confirmed the vehicle is the one that struck the victim.

Lopez gave an interview in which he reportedly stated that he knew he was involved in an accident.

Lopez was cited for the following:

Motor vehicle accidents resulting in death or personal injury
Motor vehicle accident with damage to the vehicle
Duty to provide information and assistance
Reckless driving
Failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident
Incorrect lighting – one headlight
Operation of an uninsured motor vehicle

The sheriff’s office said Lopez was transported to and taken into custody at the Williamson County Jail.