Robbins fatal crash: David Avalos charged in DUI crash that killed Sammy Simmons, pedestrian using mobility scooter, sheriff says

• 2026-01-23 21:56:06
• Drug Abuse

A suspect is facing charges in a DUI crash and death of a man using a mobility scooter in a crosswalk earlier this month in the south suburbs.

The crash happened around 12:31 p.m. Jan. 9 at the intersection of 139th Street and Kedzie Avenue in Robbins, the Cook County Sheriff's Office said.

Detectives said a vehicle traveling northbound on Kedzie Avenue struck a person who was in a mobility scooter in the crosswalk.

The victim was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as 63-year-old Sammy Simmons of Robbins.

Investigators later identified 38-year-old David Avalos of Blue Island as a suspect in the crash. He was arrested Wednesday, the sheriff said.

Avalos has been charged with "aggravated DUI causing death and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death," officials said.

The suspect appeared in court Thursday and was ordered to be held in custody pending his trial.

Robbins police requested the Cook County Sheriff's Police detectives to assist with the investigation.

No further information was immediately available.