Family of man injured in Brighton Park hit-and-run pleads for driver to come forward

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The family of a man injured in a hit-and-run in Brighton Park last Saturday is asking for the driver to come forward.

Efren Mendez, 73, was walking to a 6 p.m. mass at Immaculate Conception when someone driving a red or maroon-colored Jeep Patriot struck him near the 4400 block of South California. The vehicle then fled the scene.

Mendez remains hospitalized with a cracked skull, broken ribs and ankle injury.

"People can't hide forever, and people's conscience break," said Mendez's son, Carlos Mendez. "Here in front of the Virgin Mary, God sees everything, God sees all. God sees you hiding, and God is going to strike you."

Police have released surveillance images of a red-colored Jeep Patriot SUV with fog lights and rear-tinted windows wanted in connection with the hit-and-run.

Mendez's family is asking businesses and homes in the area to check their own surveillance cameras.

"Even if you've already checked, check again," Carlos Mendez said. "Check all of your video images between 5 and 6 p.m. from last Saturday, December 28th."

RELATED: Man, 73, seriously injured in Brighton Park hit-and-run, police say

Ald. Raymond Lopez said, "We need to identify who caused the hit and run that happened, steps from where we are right now. We need to bring this person to justice, so this family can be made whole."

Mendez's family said the 73-year-old is more responsive now, but his injuries are severe. His son said bleeding on his brain has subsided, but he now has a blood clot.

"We ask that you do the right thing for my dad because my dad would definitely do the right thing for you. He was probably coming to pray for you that day," Carlos Mendez said.

The family is also asking auto body shops and mechanics to be aware of a red-colored Jeep with front-end damage.

They're hopeful someone out there has an important tip that will help police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chicago Police Major Accident Investigation Unit at (312) 745-4521.