Bensenville Tow Truck Driver Left Motorcyclist On Road After Crash: PD

WHEATON, IL — A 42-year-old Bensenville man is being held on $250,000 bond after police said he left the scene of a fatal accident after they say he failed to stop to assist a motorcyclist who was lying on the side of the road earlier this week.

Joseph Sarb, of the 1100 block of E. Thacker St., faces one felony charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Police said that shortly after 10 p.m. on Monday, police responded to Irving Park Road near Walnut Avenue, where officers found Daruisz Zalewski, 46, lying unresponsive on Irving Park Road next to his motorcycle.

A police investigation identified Sarb as the man who was allegedly driving a tow truck that was involved in the crash that killed Zalewski. Police said that Sarb was driving a tow truck west on Irving Park Road and made a left turn into a business parking lot.

Investigators said that as Sarb turned into the parking lot Zalewski, who was traveling east on Irving Park Road, crashed into the back of Sarb's truck, flew off his motorcycle, and landed on Irving Park Road. Police said Sarb continued to drive through the business's parking lot, got back onto Irving Park Road, and fled the scene. Zalewski was immediately transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Sarb was arrested at his home on Wednesday, police said.

“The allegation that Mr. Sarb failed to stop and help a man who had just been knocked off his motorcycle and instead fled the scene is extremely troubling,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “Additionally, leaving the scene of an accident in which you were involved that left a fatally injured man lying on a dark street, as alleged in this case, is not only illegal, it is morally reprehensible. I extend my sincerest condolences to Mr. Zalewski's family and friends as they grieve this senseless, terrible loss.”

Sarb’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 31 for arraignment.