Man charged in hit-and-run crash in Batavia

A North Aurora man has been charged in a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian in downtown Batavia, police said.

Jacob P.G. Belarmino, 28, has been charged with leaving the scene of an injury accident, a felony. He also has been charged with misdemeanor failure to report an accident and failure to give aid or information. Additionally, he faces a petty offense of failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

The crash happened at the intersection of South River and East Wilson streets at about 5:35 a.m. Friday.

A preliminary investigation determined that an SUV, believed to be a Toyota Highlander, was traveling north on South River Street. Upon approaching the intersection, the SUV turned left onto westbound East Wilson Street. A 69-year-old pedestrian was crossing in the crosswalk with the walk signal from the north side of Wilson to the south side.

While crossing, he was hit in the crosswalk by the SUV, police said in a news release, and the SUV proceeded to leave the area. The driver did not call authorities, render aid, or report the accident, according to the release. The pedestrian, who was lying on the road following the crash, was taken by medics to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Using security cameras in the area, officers were able to identify a suspect vehicle. On Saturday, at about 5:19 a.m., officers located a black Toyota Highlander matching the description, police said. After an investigation, authorities identified the driver of the vehicle involved in the hit and run as Belarmino.

Witnesses to the crash or anyone with additional information are asked to call Batavia police at (630) 454-2500.