Teen girl on electric scooter killed in hit-and-run in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood

Chicago police on Sunday were looking for the driver behind a hit-and-run that left a teenage girl dead in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood.

The community is questioning why the driver did not stop to render aid.

As praises go up at the Abundant Life Worship Center in Shore Shore, prayers went out to the family of a 15-year-old killed steps from the church's front door.

"Just praying for their comfort, their strength, their encouragement," said James Williams.

Police said at 8:34 p.m. on Saturday, officers found the girl lying in the street in the 2800 block of East 77th Street, at Exchange Avenue. Police said she was riding an electric scooter when a driver hit them and drove away. Another person riding an e-scooter was also hit.

The girl was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she died. She was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's office as 15-year-old Violet Harris.

"There's a family grieving that wants some closure," Jewel Williams said.

Now, people are hoping that the driver comes forward.

"It definitely would help if the driver did the right thing," Jewel said. 

"They likely know they hit someone, and they need to do the right thing," James said.

It is unclear if there were any witnesses to the hit-and-run. Police have not described the vehicle that hit the woman.

"Everybody needs to ... they need to slow down," James and Jewel said.

With so many people riding these electric scooters, church leaders said it should serve as a reminder to stay alert.

"I think as drivers we do have to be careful that they are in the streets. Our car is a lot bigger than them on these scooters. So I think we just need to be more cautious when we see them because they are in the streets, So that we're more cautious so we don't have more incidents like this," Jewel said.

Church members will lift up the teen's family as they grieve and search for justice in this case.

"I pray the lord will comfort them, would keep them together, and allow them to be comforted by him, and those who loved them and love Violet, and that they will come together and comfort each other as they can," James said.

The police Major Accident Investigation Unit was investigating on Sunday. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact police.