Reward offered for information in hit-and-run that killed teen girl on scooter in South Shore
Cook County Crime Stoppers was canvassing on Tuesday in search of answers in the hit-and-run that killed 15-year-old Violet Harris in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood last month.
On Saturday, March 21, around 8:30 p.m., Violet was riding an electric scooter in the 2800 block of East 77th Street, near Exchange Avenue, when she was struck by a black Ford Fusion.
The driver of the vehicle kept going. Violet, a freshman at Hyde Park Academy High School, later died of her injuries.
Another person riding a scooter was also hurt in the crash but survived.
"I never got a chance to hold her," Violet's father, Ogie Davis, said last month while holding back tears. "I didn't get a chance to see her at the hospital or anything like that, and it's hard to hold it in."
Tuesday marked one month since the incident, and the case remained unsolved. Cook County Crime Stoppers said it is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.
On Tuesday evening, Crime Stoppers was canvassing the South Shore community where the hit-and-run happened, speaking with residents, and distributing information.
"This started off as a simple traffic accident. When that person left, that created a felony," said Paul Rutherford, executive director of Cook County Crime Stoppers. "We don't want to know your name. All we want to know is the information that can bring this case some closure."
Davis remains hopeful that there will soon be a face associated with the fatal crash. He said he's been chasing closure and accountability since the tragic crash.
"It's like living in limbo. It's hard not to put a face to this crime," He said. "I just keep praying and hoping that we can get some help."
Harris' death is one of three incidents involving students from Hyde Park Academy High School.
In a separate hit-and-run just days later, 18-year-old Lania Smith was killed in the crash while on her way to work in Dolton. The police in that case are still searching for the driver of a 2007 Chevy Corvette. Then, just last week, 16-year-old Eric Billops was shot and killed near a bus stop in the Woodlawn neighborhood. His case also remains unsolved.
"It's all happening to Hyde Park Academy. I feel for them," Davis said. "I know that school is really feeling it."
Anyone with information on the hit-and-run is asked to contact Cook County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-535-STOP (7867) or submit a tip online at www.CPDTIP.com. Cook County Crime Stoppers said tipsters can remain completely anonymous, and they may be eligible for a cash reward if their information results in an arrest.