CPD Releases Images of Vehicle Wanted in Fatal South Shore Hit-and-Run

Violet D. Harris, 15, killed while riding scooter; 13-year-old also injured in crash

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:58am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged scooter part or piece of evidence from the hit-and-run crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The harsh flash illuminates a crucial piece of evidence from the tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of 15-year-old Violet D. Harris.Chicago Today

Chicago police have released images of a dark-colored Ford Fusion vehicle wanted in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed 15-year-old Violet D. Harris and injured a 13-year-old girl in the city's South Shore neighborhood last month. The incident occurred on March 21 around 8:34 p.m. near the intersection of 77th Street and Exchange Avenue.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the South Shore community and raised concerns about traffic safety and hit-and-run crashes involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians and scooter riders, especially youth. The release of the vehicle images could aid in the investigation and help bring the perpetrator to justice.

The details

According to police, Violet D. Harris was riding a scooter when she was struck by the dark-colored Ford Fusion, which then fled the scene. Harris was found lying on the street and was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she later died. A 13-year-old girl who was also involved in the crash was taken to the hospital in good condition.

  • The hit-and-run crash occurred on March 21, 2026 around 8:34 p.m.
  • Police released the images of the wanted vehicle on April 10, 2026

The players

Violet D. Harris

A 15-year-old girl who was killed in the hit-and-run crash while riding a scooter.

Chicago Police Department (CPD)

The law enforcement agency investigating the hit-and-run incident and releasing images of the wanted vehicle.

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What’s next

Chicago police continue to investigate the incident and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the driver of the dark-colored Ford Fusion involved in the fatal hit-and-run.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case highlights the need for improved traffic safety measures, better infrastructure for pedestrians and scooter riders, and stronger enforcement to prevent and deter hit-and-run incidents that put vulnerable road users at risk, especially in urban neighborhoods.