At around 4:00 a.m. Saturday, the quiet pre-dawn hours in Schererville, Indiana, were shattered when an off-duty corrections officer, Ronald T. Jones, 58, was struck in a hit-and-run crash near U.S. Route 30 and Austin Avenue. He was taken by air ambulance to a Chicago hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Jones had served nearly nine years at the Lake County Jail, and though he was off duty at the time, his life was still bound to service. According to Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr., Jones was behind the wheel when another vehicle collided with his, then fled the scene on foot without stopping.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and Jones was airlifted to Chicago. By the time officials could reach him, he was already in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Initially, law enforcement said no arrests had been made and the driver remained at large. But in a later development, local reports suggest the suspect has been taken into custody, though formal charges and full identity are not yet confirmed.
Sheriff Martinez offered heartfelt words in the wake of loss: “My deepest condolences go to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life and service.” He called Jones “a kind, dedicated man who performed his duties with an exceptional level of professionalism.” Colleagues and those who knew him echoed that sentiment, remembering Jones as compassionate, respected, and deeply committed.
Jones leaves behind two adult children, along with many coworkers and community members who admired him. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department and Schererville Police continue working the case, urging anyone with information to assist in piecing together the circumstances of that fatal morning.
As investigators dig deeper, the community is left grappling with grief, seeking answers, and honoring a life lost in the service of others.