Aurora Woman Falsely Reported Car Stolen After Fatal Hit-And-Run: Cops

AURORA, IL — More than three months after a 62-year-old Joliet man lost his life crossing the street near the entrance to Joliet's downtown area, police announced they solved the crime, resulting in the arrest of an Aurora woman and Joliet man.

Dominique Kennedy, 36, was arrested and charged with making a false police report on vehicle theft, obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct, Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English said.

The 40-year-old James Deal was arrested and released on a notice to appear in court for failure to report a vehicle crash involving personal injury or death. His second charge is failure to stop after having a vehicle crash involving personal injury or death, English said.

Following an extensive investigation, Joliet detectives identified Deal as the driver of a Chevrolet Malibu that struck and killed 62-year-old Joliet resident Robert Redmond during the evening hours of Dec. 14, 2024, at Fourth Avenue and South Chicago Street, police said in a news release.

Deal did not stop after the crash or report it, according to the release.

Police say they believe Kennedy falsely reported the Chevrolet Malibu stolen following the crash. The car was found by Will County Sheriff's deputies on Dec. 15, a day after the crash.

Joliet's detectives obtained an arrest warrant last week for Kennedy and Deal. The woman was taken into custody shortly after noon on Monday at her residence in Aurora. Deal was taken into custody at 4:34 p.m. on Monday, after turning himself in at the Joliet Police Department West Station.

Both people were processed and released on notices to appear, police said.