CPD releases photos of car wanted in fatal hit-and-run of teenage girl in South Shore

Police released pictures of a black car they are looking for in connection with the death of 15-year-old Violet Harris, who was killed in a hit-and-run while riding on a scooter last month in the South Shore neighborhood.

The car is a dark colored Ford Fusion, according to Cook County Crime Stoppers, which is also offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the individual responsible for the deadly crash.

Harris and a 13-year-old girl were on the 2800 block of East 77th Street on March 21 when the car hit the right side of their electric scooter and drove away, according to a witness who spoke to the police about the incident.

Harris was taken by ambulance to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead within the hour, authorities said. The other girl, driving the scooter, walked to the Jackson Park Hospital, where she was transferred to the University of Chicago for her lacerations.

“We urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring justice to Violet and her family” Executive Director of Cook County Crime Stoppers Paul Rutherford said in a Friday press release. “Your information may be the piece needed to bring the family justice.”

Major Accident Investigators are continuing to investigate the incident. Authorities told the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend any individual believed to be involved. Those with information are encouraged to report it anonymously.

“We are seeing a troubling spike in fatal hit-and-run incidents across our communities,” Rutherford said. “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.”