Hit-and-Run Driver Fatally Strikes and Drags Pedestrian in Austin

The crash site from the driver's perspective.

Yesterday the police department’s Major Accidents Investigation Unit issued a community alert in hopes of locating the hit-and-run driver who fatally struck and dragged a male pedestrian in Austin on January 17. Police have not released the name of the victim, and it’s not clear why the alert was issued more than a month after the incident. There did not seem to be any news coverage of the crash before this week.

A witness said the victim was on the east side of Central near Van Buren, across the street from Columbus Park at about 10:30 p.m. on a Friday, although it’s uncertain if he was crossing the street at the time, according to Officer Daniel O’Brien from Police News Affairs. The driver traveled south on Central, then turned eastbound, striking the victim and dragging him some 450 feet to approximately 5530 West Van Buren. The victim was taken in serious condition to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was ultimately pronounced dead, O’Brien said.

Police are seeking a white or light-colored four-door sedan, possibly a 2001-2005 Buick Century or Le Sabre. Anyone who has knowledge of the incident or observed the victim or vehicle on the date of this crash is asked to contact the Major Accidents at 312-745-4521.

Fatality Tracker: 2014 Chicago pedestrian and bicyclist deaths

Pedestrian: 3 (2 were hit-and-run crashes)
Bicyclist: 0