A 72-year-old Riverdale resident was killed on New Year’s Eve after being struck by a car near 146th Street and Indiana Avenue, according to police and neighbors. The driver took off, and investigators are treating the crash as a hit-and-run. Riverdale police say they have identified a suspect, but no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
Family members identified the victim as Harriett Reynolds and said she lived at Our Savior's Senior Housing, directly across the street from the gas station she often visited. "She was going in the gas station, and a car ran in the gas station, ran her over and drove off," Reynolds’ daughter, Consuela Vernor, told ABC7 Chicago. ABC7 reports that police initially brought someone in for questioning, but later clarified that no one is currently in custody.
Police say suspect identified, but driver still not in custody
Riverdale Police Chief Mark Kozeluh told FOX 32 Chicago that officers have identified both an alleged offender and the vehicle involved, but "we do not have the driver in custody," he said. Investigators are reviewing surveillance video and witness statements to piece together the timeline and track the vehicle’s route. Local crews reported the collision happened in the early evening hours on Dec. 31 near the gas station entrance.
Neighbors say she was just running a quick errand
Friends and neighbors described Reynolds as a familiar face who routinely walked across the street to buy cigarettes. A witness told FOX 32 Chicago, "She was coming out the door, where the yellow posts are." A friend said the impact was so strong it knocked Reynolds out of her shoes. An employee at the station told reporters the store’s cameras captured the vehicle and that the footage has been turned over to police.
What Illinois law requires after a serious crash
Under Illinois law, drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death are required to stop and render aid; leaving the scene can result in felony charges under the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/11-401, as outlined by Justia. The statute also requires a driver who leaves the scene to report the crash to a police station within 30 minutes, with penalties increasing when a crash causes serious injury or a fatality. Riverdale police are urging anyone with information or video to contact the department, CBS Chicago reported.
The investigation remains active, and Riverdale officers say they are pursuing leads from surveillance clips and witness accounts. Neighbors and family members are hoping the evidence will help bring the driver to justice. "I'm going to get justice for you," Vernor told ABC7 Chicago, as the south suburban community mourns and waits for answers.
