CPD searching for driver after hit-and-run crash leaves minor seriously injured
CHICAGO — Police are searching for answers after a student was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash while leaving school on the Far South Side on Monday afternoon.
According to Chicago police, the crash happened near Christian Fenger Academy High School in the 11200 block of South Wallace Street, in the city’s Roseland neighborhood, just before 3:20 p.m.
The victim, 15-year-old Maari Roberson, was walking in a crosswalk in the area when he was struck by a black car, leaving him with serious injuries, including multiple broken bones. The driver then fled the scene, police say.
Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines
Roberson remained sedated in the hospital on Tuesday after undergoing multiple surgeries and his family members are now pleading for the person responsible to come forward.
“He is just the greatest kid like he is a good child, he goes to school, knows what he has to do, and you don’t see him unless he’s hungry otherwise he’s playing video games,” Maari’s mom, Martina Thomas said.
The teen, a sophomore at Fenger, plays football and was going out for wrestling season, but those plans are now on hold.
“I got a phone call from his principal about 3:15, 3:20, letting me know he was hit by a car,” Thomas said.
On Tuesday, Chicago police shared a photo of the vehicle that officers believe was involved in the crash.
LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland
Police say they believe the vehicle was a black Chevrolet Monte Carlo with a sunroof. Officers added that the vehicle may have a temporary registration plate and damage to the right side front end and windshield.
According to police, the vehicle was last spotted traveling along 112th Street near Wallace Street.
Family members and friends gathered outside the high school on Tuesday as they called for justice.
“And anyone who knows the guy who did this please bring him to justice, because that could be your son in the hospital,” the victim’s father Terry Pickett said.
Family members say they were told that the driver had initially gotten out of the car, but provided a fake phone number to Roberson’s friends before driving away.
The teen’s mother said she was told by doctors that his recovery could take at least a year.
“Nobody deserves this, there was no human decency to this none at all,” Thomas said.
Officers ask anyone with information on the crash to contact the CPD Major Accidents Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521 or dial 911.
Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
