Gurnee man charged in fatal April collision

A 27-year-old Gurnee man was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and aggravated use of an electronic communication device causing death following an investigation of an April 2, 2025, collision.

Javier R. Contreras-Bulnes was charged in the death of 33-year-old Amber Knowles, who was pronounced dead at the scene after she was struck by a vehicle near Delany Road and Sunset Avenue in Gurnee.

Police said Knowles was staying at an apartment in the area and was struck while crossing from the west side to the east side of Delany Road, authorities said at the time.

Following months of investigation, including examination of electronic devices, charges were filed when investigators ultimately determined that distracted driving played a “significant role in the crash.”