Prosecutors: Hit and run van driver in fatal crash did not have drivers license

Posted on June 25, 2019
Jose Rodriguez, 27, has to post a $10,035 cash bond to be released from the McLean County Jail. (Photo Bloomington Police Department)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The driver of a van who allegedly ran off after a fatal crash in Bloomington last Saturday faces a felony charge that could land him in prison for up to 15 years.

McLean County prosecutors on Tuesday charged Jose Rodriguez, 27, with failure to provide information about the accident at Main and MacArthur that killed a motorcyclist, Corey Cottrell, 39, of Normal.

Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Poncer told the judge Rodriguez was the unlicensed driver of a van that ran a red light and collided with the motorcycle.

Poncer said Rodriguez voluntarily surrendered the next day at the Bloomington Police Department.

It was revealed Rodriguez is from Honduras, but no one mentioned in court whether he’s legally living in the Twin-Cities.

Attorneys said Rodriguez has lived in Bloomington for five years, and has relatives living here.

He has to post a $10,035 cash bond to be released from the McLean County Jail.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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