A late-night crossing on Harlem Avenue turned deadly early Sunday in Bridgeview when a car struck a pedestrian and kept going, according to police. The victim, identified as Juan Villagomez, was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he later died.
Bridgeview police said that around 1:35 a.m., officers were called to Harlem Avenue at 71st Street after a southbound vehicle hit a man in the roadway and then continued driving, CBS Chicago reported. Investigators later found the suspected vehicle in the 8600 block of South Harlem Avenue and had it removed from the scene.
Driver Says She Thought She Hit a Dog
Officers identified the driver as Abigail Mason of Cicero. Police said she "acknowledged hitting something she believed was a dog," according to CBS Chicago. Mason was later charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash, officials said.
Victim Identified and Crash Scene
Police said Juan and Claudia Villagomez were crossing from the area of The Krash bar to the east side of Harlem Avenue when a red Chevrolet Impala, traveling in the median lane of southbound Harlem, struck Juan. He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Harlem Avenue was shut down while officers processed the crash scene, documented evidence, and reconstructed what happened in the moments before impact.
Charges and Next Steps
Mason currently faces one charge of leaving the scene of a fatal crash, a count that Bridgeview police say was filed after an initial investigation. Authorities did not immediately say whether additional charges might follow as detectives continue to review evidence and any available video.
Police Ask for Witnesses
Bridgeview police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have relevant video footage to contact their department as the investigation continues. The case remains under review by local prosecutors and investigators.
