A man has been charged in the hit-and-run crash that killed bicyclist Terry Sadberry, 56, on the west side of Indianapolis, according to WTHR's report[1]. The crash happened just after 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026. WTHR placed it on West Michigan Street at Grande Avenue. Earlier coverage listed the location as West Cossell Road and West Michigan Street.
What investigators reported
Juan Baca Vilchez was charged on October 29, 2026, with felony leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and misdemeanor driving while suspended. Police said Sadberry was struck from behind and died at the scene.
Prosecutors allege that Baca Vilchez is the registered owner of the small black sedan involved. According to WTHR, investigators connected the car to the crash through business surveillance video, a license plate reader photo showing new damage to the right front, and cell tower data. WTHR also reported that his license was already suspended.
Baca Vilchez was detained during a traffic stop on October 15. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigation remains ongoing.
What families can do after a hit-and-run
After a hit-and-run, report the crash to police right away and ask for the case number. Write down anything you remember about the fleeing vehicle, and identify nearby businesses or homes that may have cameras. Video can be overwritten quickly, so timely preservation requests matter.
Families who lose someone should keep medical, funeral, and insurance records together. They may also want to review information about hit-and-run injury claims and the steps involved when a bicyclist is struck by a vehicle.
Why location and insurance coverage matter
This crash happened in Marion County, and IMPD is investigating. A civil case is usually filed in the county where the crash happened or where a defendant lives.
Indiana wrongful death claims are governed by Ind. Code 34-23-1-1, and most claims must be filed within two years under Ind. Code 34-11-2-4. Indiana divides fault among those involved under Ind. Code 34-51-2-6. A police report or criminal charge does not decide civil liability by itself.
Indiana drivers must carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage under Ind. Code 9-25-4-5. When a driver flees, cannot be found, or does not have enough coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage under Ind. Code 27-7-5-2 may matter. Depending on the policy, that coverage can sometimes apply when the injured person was riding a bicycle. You can read more about UM and UIM coverage after a driver flees.
How Delventhal Law Office can help
Delventhal Law Office, LLC is a Fort Wayne personal injury law firm founded by attorney Chad E. Delventhal in 2009. The firm helps people across Indiana who are hurt, and families who have lost someone, because of another person's carelessness on the road.
Chad Delventhal can explain how hit-and-run, bicycle, wrongful death, and uninsured motorist claims work, including which deadlines may apply. The firm offers a free case evaluation. No outcome can be promised in any case.
This post is based on public reporting, the investigation may be ongoing, and nothing here is legal advice or creates an attorney-client relationship.
