Bond set for driver accused of hitting man

A Cook County judge set bond at $250,000 Friday for a Palatine man accused of intentionally accelerating and striking another man with his car on Wednesday.

James R. Martin, 32, was unable to appear at the hearing in Rolling Meadows to face aggravated battery charges because he was still at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say Martin, of 1721 N. Rose St., was in his car about 2 p.m. Wednesday in Palatine when he spotted the victim walking with a female acquaintance on the 1600 block of North Baldwin.

Martin made a U-turn, accelerated and purposely struck the 30-year-old man, prosecutors said. The victim sustained injuries including a head wound requiring more than 20 stitches.

Martin, who police say hid the car in his girlfriend's garage, was seen walking near the crime scene and was taken into custody. Prosecutors say he admitted to intentionally hitting the man. The two apparently had argued earlier in the day.

Police later located the vehicle with a shattered windshield and stains believed to be blood.

Court records show Martin has several prior convictions dating back to 1994 for DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia and burglary. Most recently he received one-year court supervision for misdemeanor cannabis possession.

Martin must post 10 percent, or $25,000, of his bail to be released from jail. He's due back in court June 20.