Rewards of up to $1,000 are being offered for information about two fatal hit-and-run incidents that occurred last month in South Chicago, according to an April 10 announcement from Cook County Crime Stoppers.
The search for the drivers is significant as both incidents resulted in the deaths of pedestrians and highlight ongoing concerns about traffic safety and accountability in local neighborhoods.
Raven Myers, age 32, was struck by a red 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander while walking on the 2100 block of East 83rd Street around 10 p.m. on March 10. The driver did not stop at the scene. Police said Myers was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center where she died. Investigators have identified the vehicle involved as having Illinois license plate number FE97346.
Less than two weeks later, at approximately 8:30 p.m. on March 21, Violet Harris, a 15-year-old riding a scooter with another girl on the 7600 block of Exchange Avenue, was hit by a black Ford Fusion. Harris died after being transported to University of Chicago Medical Center; her companion sustained minor injuries. Police are seeking information regarding this vehicle as well.
Cook County Crime Stoppers announced that cash rewards are available for tips leading to arrests in either case. Tips can be submitted anonymously online or through their tip line at 1-800-535-7867.
“We are seeing a troubling spike in fatal hit-and-run incidents across our communities,” Paul Rutherford, executive director of Cook County Crime Stoppers, said Friday. “It is a shame that drivers are not taking responsibility and stopping to do the right thing. What may begin as an accident quickly escalates into a serious felony when someone chooses to flee the scene.”
According to city data cited in the announcement, there were 248 crashes reported this year through March 23 along main roads in South Shore; drivers fled from one out of every three crashes during that period. Last year’s figures were slightly higher with similar proportions.
In another recent incident mentioned by police, an unidentified driver sped through a traffic signal and struck cyclist Damian Gomez in Chicago Lawn on Sunday before fleeing on foot after causing one death and multiple injuries.
Dave Simmons, executive director of Ride Illinois—a cycling advocacy group—said last month: “Something’s going on [where] people think it’s OK to be involved in something serious like a crash, and then get out before there’s any responsibility.”
