Morning traffic on the Southwest Side took a grim turn Wednesday when a teenager on a motorized scooter was struck in a hit-and-run, leaving the teen in critical condition and Chicago police racing to find the driver. Investigators have released images of the SUV and spent the day canvassing the Marquette Park area for video and witnesses.
According to CBS Chicago, the crash happened around 7:41 a.m. in the 3900 block of West 68th Street. Police said the teen, who was riding a motorized scooter in the roadway, was hit by a black 2018 GMC Acadia. Images released Wednesday afternoon show the SUV, and police say its license plate reads AV51401. The teen was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Investigators are asking anyone with information or footage to contact the Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521 or send an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com using reference number JK161328.
Police release images and seek witnesses
Detectives have circulated still frames of the SUV and are urging residents and local businesses to comb through doorbell cameras and dash-cam video for possible matches. The Major Accidents unit notes that even tiny details - a dent, a sticker, a fresh repair - could be enough to nail down the vehicle. Police have not publicly identified the teenager while the hospital and investigators work with the family.
Possible charges under state law
Under Illinois law, a driver who takes off after a crash that injures someone is not just breaking traffic rules but risking a felony. Section 11-401 of the Illinois Vehicle Code states that leaving the scene of a crash involving personal injury can be charged as a Class 4 felony and requires drivers to report the crash promptly. Penalties can include prison time and loss of driving privileges, per the state code. Prosecutors can also tack on additional charges - such as those tied to alleged impairment or reckless conduct - that carry steeper penalties.
Marquette Park has seen similar probes
Neighbors in and around Marquette Park know this drill. The area, along with other Southwest Side corridors, has seen multiple hit-and-run investigations in recent years, and many have hinged on scarce camera footage and community tips. In one earlier Marquette Park case, a psychic tip helped revive a months-long investigation when it steered family members to key surveillance video, highlighting how detectives and relatives will chase any lead that might break a case. That story also pointed to the same Major Accidents unit and CPDTIP system now in play.
The latest investigation remains active, and police say they will release more information if and when a suspect is identified or charged. For now, anyone with relevant video or knowledge about the black GMC Acadia is urged to contact investigators through the phone number and tip site listed above. This report will be updated as new details emerge.
