During an extensive investigation into a fatal hit-and-run traffic crash that occurred during the early morning hours of October 6, 2024, in the 200 block of South Larkin Avenue, Joliet Police Department traffic investigators identified the driver involved as 36-year-old Armand Melendez Jr. of Joliet. The crash resulted in the death of bicyclist Donald Shiner. Investigators determined that Melendez was allegedly operating a Buick LaCrosse at the time of the crash and left the scene after the crash without stopping to provide aid or required information.
On June 29, 2026, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Melendez on charges of Failure to Report a Vehicle Crash Involving Personal Injury or Death, Failure to Stop After a Vehicle Crash Involving Personal Injury or Death, and Failure to Give Information or Render Aid.…