Witness describes ‘intense’ aftermath of Northwest Side hit-and-run

Introduction to the Incident

Within minutes, Scotty McKinney went from scrolling through his phone in bed to frantically flagging down cars — even getting in front of one — before dragging a critically injured man from the middle of the road to safety after an SUV ran into him early Wednesday on the Northwest Side. “I was like, ‘Oh, f – – – it, I’ll drag him myself,’” McKinney, 26, told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I was definitely shocked, it was intense.”

The Events Leading Up to the Hit-and-Run

McKinney, 26, was “gearing down for the day,” relaxing in bed and scrolling through his phone inside his apartment in the 3600 block of West Diversey Avenue around 2:40 a.m. when he and his roommate heard what sounded like a “tiny car crash” outside. When McKinney’s roommate looked outside to see what the sound was, she saw the man lying in the street in a puddle of blood and called 911 as McKinney rushed outside. “We had thought a car hit another car, so [the driver] must’ve hit this guy really f – – – – – – hard,” McKinney said. “I was there with him trying to untangle him from his backpack. He was completely out but he was breathing so heavily.”

Details of the Hit-and-Run

According to a traffic report obtained by the Sun-Times, the victim, a 44-year-old man, was crossing the street when a westbound SUV, which had a green light, hit him and left the scene. His body was left on the south side of Diversey Avenue and his belongings, along with one shoe, were found near him, according to the report. McKinney began waving down cars to try and get someone’s attention to help him move the man from the middle of the street. He even darted in front of one driver, who just drove around McKinney and kept going.

The Aftermath and Response

That’s when McKinney decided to haul the man to the side of the road to avoid the risk of having him get hit again. “I don’t know how to save a guy’s life,” McKinney added. “I was really hoping he wasn’t gonna die right there.” An ambulance arrived about seven minutes, and the Belmont Cragin man was taken in critical condition to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center with a brain bleed and fractures to his right knee, both fibulas and both tibulas, according to police.

Investigation and Call for Information

Surveillance footage captured the SUV traveling on Central Park Avenue from North Avenue minutes after the crash and police released images of the vehicle, which is a dark-gray four-door SUV with yellow Illinois temporary plates. McKinney stressed that it was “absolutely important to him” for police to find the driver. “You actively are doing harm and decided right then and there [not to make things right,]” McKinney said. “They need to be held responsible.” Anyone with information is encouraged to call 312-745-4521 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com and use reference #JJ203017.

Conclusion

The hit-and-run incident on the Northwest Side highlights the importance of immediate action and community involvement in ensuring justice and safety. Scotty McKinney’s bravery in the face of an emergency situation serves as a testament to the human spirit of helping others in need. It is crucial that the perpetrator is found and held accountable for their actions, and the community’s assistance in this matter is vital.

FAQs

• Q: What happened on the Northwest Side?
  A: A 44-year-old man was hit by an SUV while crossing the street and left in critical condition. The driver of the SUV fled the scene.
• Q: Who helped the victim?
  A: Scotty McKinney, a 26-year-old bystander, dragged the victim to the side of the road to prevent further injury.
• Q: What is the description of the SUV?
  A: The SUV is a dark-gray four-door vehicle with yellow Illinois temporary plates.
• Q: How can one provide information about the incident?
  A: Individuals can call 312-745-4521 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com using reference #JJ203017.