A 65-year-old woman lost her life Sunday night following a hit-and-run crash in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood.
Chicago police responded to the scene at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of North Central Avenue.
The victim was walking inside a marked crosswalk when the incident occurred.
A red pickup truck traveling through the intersection struck the woman.
Witnesses told investigators the driver did not stop after the impact.
The vehicle fled southbound on Central Avenue at a high rate of speed.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the collision.
The woman suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A person of interest is now in custody, police said Monday.
Investigators are currently questioning the individual regarding the fatal collision.
Charges have not yet been filed as the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim pending family notification.
Crime scene investigators recovered evidence from the roadway late into the night.
Video footage from the area showed officers focused on a pickup truck that matched the suspect vehicle’s description.
Police have not confirmed if the driver of that specific vehicle is in custody.
No other injuries were reported during the incident.
Recent History
The Belmont Cragin community has seen a concerning rise in traffic-related violence over the last year.
North Central Avenue remains a high-traffic corridor where residents have previously called for increased safety measures.
This tragedy follows a pattern of hit-and-run incidents across Chicago’s Northwest Side this spring.
In nearby neighborhoods, pedestrian advocates have pushed for “bump-outs” and better lighting to protect residents in crosswalks.
The intersection of Central and Belmont is frequently cited by locals as a dangerous spot for seniors.
Sunday’s fatality marks another grim statistic in the city’s ongoing struggle with reckless driving.
The Chicago Police Department Major Accident Investigations Unit is now leading the probe.
Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses to track the truck’s license plate.
Anyone with information regarding the red pickup truck is urged to contact local authorities immediately.
