Gurnee, IL – Charges have now been filed in connection with a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred last spring in Gurnee, bringing a major development in a case that claimed the life of a local woman.
According to the Gurnee Police Department, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has approved felony charges against Javier R. Contreras-Bulnes, a 27-year-old male of Gurnee, following an extensive investigation into the crash that occurred on April 2, 2025, Wednesday, near Delany Road and Sunset Avenue.
Prosecutors allege Contreras-Bulnes faces two felony counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and one felony count of aggravated use of an electronic communication device causing death. Authorities emphasized that all charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police said officers responded to the vehicle-pedestrian crash on April 2, where the pedestrian, 33-year-old Amber Knowles, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) assisted with the investigation, conducting a detailed scene reconstruction, reviewing vehicle data, and analyzing digital evidence.
Investigators ultimately determined that distracted driving allegedly played a significant role in the crash. The roadway remained closed for several hours as evidence was processed, causing traffic disruptions in the Gurnee area near the Wisconsin border and the greater northern Lake County region.
Gurnee Police Chief Jeremy Gaughan called the case a heartbreaking loss for the victim’s family and said the department hopes the charges provide a sense of accountability. He also warned drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, noting that even a brief glance at a phone can have irreversible consequences.
Police continue urging motorists to put phones away and remain attentive, citing distracted driving as one of the leading causes of fatal crashes nationwide.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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