The incident happened at approximately 8:30 p.m. Sunday in the 2500-block of West Devon near Maplewood. Family members say the three had just finished eating dinner when the hit-and-run driver slammed into them, then hit a parked car.
All three victims were taken to area hospitals in critical condition. Both 28-year-old Faseehudin Biabani and his father, 68-year-old Qazi Biabani, were upgraded to good condition at Illinois Masonic Monday.
Qazi Biabani is also a member of the nearby Muslim Community Center where he teaches Sunday school. His 49-year-old wife, Syeda Biabani, was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. She was listed in serious condition Monday. She works at the MCC's school in Morton Grove. A family member said all three were suffering from broken bones but should recover.
"He's my neighbor. I've known him 20 years, and we've always gotten along. He's a hard worker," said neighbor Al Schuch, who owns a business next door to Medina Printers in the 4300 block of North Elston Avenue, which is owned by Qazi Biabani. "I think it's a shame because I don't think anybody should leave the scene of an accident. When there's someone, they should stop and help because he's a nice person. Nobody deserves that during Christmas time."
Police say they are looking for the male driver of a four-door, black Toyota Avalon. No other detailed description was given. There was no word on whether any surveillance video cameras captured the incident.
It happened right outside the busy Sabri Nihari restaurant. The manager ran to the window to see what happened.
"People running over here and running over there, some car, you know, they say it was a black-colored car that hit three people," said Hanif Sozzer, manager.
"This was a shock to me. I know these people for a long time; he has been involved with this center and other centers for years," said Syad Ali, Muslim Community Center.
This is not the first time a vehicle hit a pedestrian in the intersection. Sozzer said it's time to think about creating a safer area.
"Over here, this happens a lot. We need, you know, something to do. Two years ago, you know, same type of accident happened," said Sozzer.
On Monday night, police said they were questioning a person of interest.
