Tuesday, July 18, 2023 | View in browser
Evanston Police Make Arrest in February 8 Hit-and-Run Crash
 EVANSTON, IL - On February 8, 2023, shortly after 6:30 a.m., Evanston Fire Department paramedics responded to Dempster Street and Chicago Avenue for a report of a person who had fallen on the public way. Due to the condition of the patient and the lack of known witnesses, no further information was learned at that time. However, on February 18, 2023, video surveillance was discovered that conclusively showed the patient had been struck by a driver who then fled the scene in a white sport utility vehicle (SUV).
The Evanston Police Traffic Bureau investigated and determined the suspect vehicle was a Nissan Rogue, which was captured on multiple surveillance cameras while traveling through Skokie and Evanston prior to the crash. Due to the time of day, camera placement, and lighting, no license plate details were captured. Attempts to enhance the videos were unsuccessful.
Two traffic officers continued to investigate, reviewing and analyzing surveillance video. Their lengthy investigative efforts revealed a suspect vehicle, a Nissan Rogue, that consistently traveled the same traffic pattern as the Nissan Rogue that struck the victim on February 18.
On July 14, 2023, the investigating traffic officers contacted the suspect vehicle and driver. The officers conducted an interview with the driver and owner, Eugenia Kuczynska. During the interview, Kuczynska made an incriminating statement regarding her involvement in the hit-and-run crash. Once officers determined that Kuczynska was the offending driver, they placed her under arrest and transported her to the station.
Despite the commitment of the Evanston Police Traffic Bureau to this investigation, the investigation did not produce the evidence necessary for felony charges. Kuczynska was charged with failure to render aid or provide information while involved in a traffic crash, as well as failure to exercise due care to avoid a pedestrian. Kuczynska posted bond and was released pending her court date.
The Evanston Police Department would like to recognize the investigative efforts of these traffic officers. If they had not gone above and beyond, there would not have been a resolution to this case. The Department would also like to thank the Evanston community, who continued to show support for the victim, one of their fellow community members, throughout this investigation.
Offender
Kuczynska, Eugenia - female - 66 years of age 5800 block of West Henderson Street, Chicago, IL
Charges
1 misdemeanor count of Failure To Render Aid or Provide Information 1 citation for Failure to Exercise Due Care To Avoid a Pedestrian
Court Information
July 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at the Skokie Courthouse
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Media Relations: Sergeant Scott Sophier
Ssophier@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-866-5079
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