Tragedy struck the Morgan Park neighborhood on November 17 when a fatal hit and run left a pedestrian dead. According to a community alert issued by the Chicago Police Department, a 45-year-old male victim was crossing the 11700 block of S. Marshfield at 4:48 p.m. when a van struck him after a reported argument.
The alert detailed that the driver of the tan or white van had a verbal altercation with the victim right before the crash. In a disturbing sequence of events, the victim tried crossing in front of the van to reach his parked vehicle, was hit, got trapped under the vehicle, was dragged for a distance, and subsequently run over, leading to fatal injuries. Following the accident, which occurred at approximately 4:48 p.m., the van was seen fleeing the scene without rendering aid to the victim. As a witness described, the van was possibly damaged in the front grill area and undercarriage, likely headed to a repair shop right after the incident.
The authorities encourage anyone who spots the van to call 9-1-1 immediately with information about the sighting, including location and direction, but also warn not to approach the vehicle or its occupants. Additionally, the Chicago Police Department requests that anyone with information regarding the driver, or who may have dash cam footage from the area around the time of the incident, to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Further details regarding the offending vehicle suggest that it may show signs of recent repairs to the front grille or undercarriage. The local police are retaining any tips that may lead to not only tracking down the van but also providing accountability for the driver's actions, ensuring justice for the victim's family.
