Des Plaines man charged in 2024 fatal crash

A Des Plaines man faces charges alleging he fled the scene of a fatal 2024 crash in the city, authorities announced Monday.

Christian A. Vargas, 30, of the 600 block of East Oakton Street, is charged with felony failure to report a fatal motor vehicle accident and misdemeanor failure to give information or render aid, police said Monday.

The crash occurred July 27, 2024, on the 900 block of South Elmhurst Road. Nico K. Watkins, 31, of Glen Ellyn, was killed.

Watkins was headed north on a 2001 Suzuki motorcycle about 2 a.m. when he collided with a 2018 Ford sedan exiting a shopping plaza, police said. The driver of the Ford fled on foot.

Watkins had been speeding, police said.

Witnesses and forensic evidence helped tie Vargas to the crash, police said.

Vargas turned himself in Jan. 22, police said. He was scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon.