Driver Charged in Critical Injury of Dr. Ray Lee After Hit-and-Run

Authorities have announced charges against Tavis Roark, 35, in connection with the hit-and-run incident that critically injured Dr. Ray Lee on October 28, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 4:35 p.m. at the intersection of 400 S. Damen Avenue and Van Buren Street in Chicago. Dr. Lee was travelling northbound on Damen Avenue when Roark, driving a red sedan westbound on Van Buren Street, allegedly disregarded a red light and struck Dr. Lee.

Key facts

• Incident Date: October 28, 2025
• Victim: Dr. Ray Lee
• Alleged Driver: Tavis Roark, 35
• Location: Intersection of 400 S. Damen Ave. and Van Buren St., Chicago
• Alleged Offence: Hit-and-run, disregarding a red light

The Collision Details

According to a proffer presented by prosecutors at Roark’s detention hearing on May 21, 2026, the collision was captured on a police observation device camera. Roark’s vehicle, a red sedan, allegedly struck Dr. Lee as he was crossing the intersection, projecting him through it. Roark is said to have paused briefly after the collision before fleeing the scene without rendering aid or reporting the incident.

Witness Accounts and Immediate Aftermath

A woman bicycling behind Dr. Lee was able to photograph Roark’s vehicle, noting the license plate as BN64959 and observing pre-existing rear damage. Another witness, driving in the intersection, heard the crash and observed an object flying through the air as she attempted to proceed on her green light. This witness subsequently parked her car, called 911, and went to assist Dr. Lee, who was found unconscious with a broken leg and facial injuries, bleeding from the ears and mouth. Dr. Lee was transported to Stroger Hospital, where medical records indicate he sustained life-altering injuries, including a broken leg and brain damage, which will prevent him from returning to his medical career.

The Investigation Breakthrough

The investigation gained significant traction when authorities learned that the offender’s vehicle was registered to Roark’s mother. Crucially, an investigator with the Chicago Police Department, who is also Roark’s aunt, informed the Major Accidents Investigation Unit of her suspicion that her nephew may have been driving the car at the time of the incident. This difficult but ethically sound decision by Roark’s aunt appears to have been pivotal in identifying the suspect.

Vehicle Recovery and Forensic Evidence

A subsequent search of the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen by Roark’s mother from 1 N. Leavitt Street, less than a mile from the crash site, approximately 2.5 hours after the accident occurred. A community alert for the vehicle led to a police officer observing it parked in a building’s garage, identified as Roark’s residence.

Search warrants executed for the vehicle allowed for the collection of forensic evidence, including fingerprints and DNA swabs. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from Roark’s residence showed him entering the vehicle in the morning with no apparent damage. Shortly after the crash, the same vehicle was observed returning to the garage with a caved-in windshield and a dent on the hood. Roark was seen exiting the vehicle, wearing the same clothing as earlier in the day, and attempting to cover the damage before emptying the car of his belongings. Fingerprints lifted from the area where Roark pushed the car door closed matched his prints.

Further corroboration came from license plate reader (LPR) data, which tracked the vehicle traveling from Roark’s work to his home on the day of the crash. The LPR data also captured the driver with an arm out the window wearing a dark blue sleeve consistent with the coveralls Roark was seen wearing on CCTV. Additionally, two residents of Roark’s building identified him from a still image as the occupant of unit 206, and the owner of the unit provided a lease agreement listing Roark as the lessee. A search warrant for his cell phone data confirmed his phone was in the vicinity of the incident at the time it occurred.

Roark’s mother later reported the car as stolen, despite it remaining in her son’s designated parking spot at his residence. Tavis Roark was arrested on May 20, 2026. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office confirmed that Roark appeared in court and was ordered detained, with his next court date scheduled for May 27, 2026. Prosecutors stated they are unable to comment further on pending litigation.

The incident highlights the devastating impact of traffic violence on individuals and families, and the complex interwoven factors that can contribute to solving such cases. The critical injuries sustained by Dr. Lee underscore the ongoing need for improved road safety measures and accountability for drivers who endanger others.

Source: Streetsblog Chicago (https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/05/24/states-attorneys-office-provides-details-on-the-coincidence-and-an-aunts-tough-decision-that-led-to-charges-against-the-driver-who-critically-injured-dr-ray-lee)