Bloomington: Authorities Identify Rodney L. Arbuckle in Ongoing Pedestrian Incident Investigation
Bloomington authorities have identified 64-year-old Rodney L. Arbuckle as the pedestrian involved in an incident that occurred late Monday evening on the city’s south side. The collision took place along South Walnut Street near a busy retail area known for steady traffic throughout the evening. Police say officers were dispatched at approximately 9:10 p.m. after multiple calls reported that a pedestrian had been struck by an SUV.
Arbuckle, a longtime Bloomington resident, was found unresponsive when officers arrived. Emergency medical teams attempted lifesaving care, but he was pronounced at the scene shortly after. News of his passing has brought sadness to those who knew him, as he was widely regarded as a friendly and community-minded individual who regularly greeted neighbors and offered help when needed.
The SUV was driven by a 39-year-old Bloomington woman who remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. Police reported that she was visibly shaken but uninjured. Early statements indicate she had been traveling northbound when Arbuckle entered the roadway. Investigators are still determining whether he was crossing at a marked crosswalk or between intersections.
Bloomington Police have stated there is currently no indication that impairment or distraction played a role on the part of the driver, though standard testing was conducted as part of routine procedure. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and assessing lighting conditions, traffic flow, and roadway design to better understand the circumstances. Officials noted that the stretch of South Walnut Street has reduced visibility at night, which may have been a contributing factor.
Local residents say the area can be challenging for both drivers and pedestrians, particularly during evening hours when lighting is limited. One nearby shop owner said that while they did not witness the collision itself, the roadway is often busy and may benefit from improved lighting and additional pedestrian safety features. Several community members have echoed similar concerns in the wake of the incident.
Arbuckle’s family has requested privacy as they cope with the sudden loss. Loved ones describe him as warm-hearted, soft-spoken, and deeply devoted to his family and longtime friends. He enjoyed nature walks, volunteering, and visiting local antique shops—routines that made him a familiar and well-liked presence in the neighborhood.
Police are encouraging anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dash-cam footage from the area around that time to contact the Bloomington Police Department’s Traffic Division. As the investigation continues, officials are reminding both drivers and pedestrians to use caution on roadways where visibility and lighting conditions may make travel more challenging.
