Chicago Police Search for Driver in Near West Side Hit-and-Run That Injured Cyclist

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Chicago police have launched a citywide search for a driver involved in a hit-and-run that left a cyclist seriously injured on the Near West Side earlier this week. Investigators have identified the suspect vehicle as a red 2010 Ford Fusion with the Illinois license plate BN 64959.

The collision took place around 4:35 p.m. on Tuesday near the intersection of Damen Avenue and Van Buren Street, a busy route frequently used by cyclists and commuters. According to police, the car struck the northbound cyclist and fled the scene without stopping to help. The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Authorities have since issued a community alert, urging residents to help locate the vehicle or share any information about the driver’s whereabouts. “If you see this car, do not approach it,” police said in a statement. “Call 9-1-1 immediately and provide details to responding officers.”

The Chicago Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Unit is handling the case, reviewing footage from nearby surveillance cameras, and gathering eyewitness accounts. Officers believe the vehicle may still be in the city and could show visible front-end damage.

The incident has reignited concerns about road safety for cyclists in Chicago. Local cycling advocates say the hit-and-run underscores the growing dangers faced by people who use bicycles for daily commuting. Despite the city’s ongoing efforts to expand bike lanes and improve lighting, riders continue to experience collisions at intersections that lack protective barriers.

Community members in the Near West Side have called for increased patrols, stricter penalties for reckless driving, and improved crosswalk monitoring.

Chicago has seen a rise in hit-and-run crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians over the past two years, according to city data. Police hope this case will draw attention to the urgent need for safer streets and shared responsibility among drivers and cyclists alike.

As the search continues, authorities are counting on the public’s help to bring the suspect to justice and to remind everyone that leaving the scene of an accident is not just illegal, it’s inhumane.