Aurora driver in fatal hit-and-run charged

An Aurora man was charged with leaving the scene of an accident Monday after he struck two pedestrians in North Aurora, killing one and injuring the other, police said.

Lee Roy Patterson, 30, of the 1000 block of Assell Avenue, turned himself over to police about three hours after officers found the victims, authorities said. He was later charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and two felony counts of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death.

North Aurora police responded at 2:02 a.m. for a report of a traffic crash at 42 S. Grant St. Police said they arrived to find 22-year-olds Doreen L. Cardenas of Cicero and Pedro A. Navarro of North Aurora on the ground with apparent injuries from a crash.

Cardenas was taken to Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, where she was pronounced dead. Police said Navarro remained in the hospital Monday and his condition is unknown.

Police said a preliminary investigation revealed that Cardenas and Navarro were standing near Cardenas' 1997 Chevy Cavalier, which was parked legally in front of Navarro's home, when a southbound vehicle sideswiped the car, striking both victims.

Patterson surrendered about 5 a.m. and was subsequently charged, police said. North Aurora Lt. Scott Buziecki said the crash remained under investigation Monday afternoon.

“We have not ruled out drugs or alcohol,” he said.

The most serious charge against Patterson is a Class 1 felony, which is typically punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He will go before an Aurora Branch Court judge Tuesday for setting of bail.

Police said any witnesses should call Investigator Dan Cyko at (630) 897-8705.