Police release surveillance photo of car involved in deadly West Loop hit-and-run; victim ID'd

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police released a surveillance photo Sunday of a vehicle they said was involved in a deadly hit-and-run over the weekend.

A 26-year-old man was killed Saturday morning while crossing the street on Chicago's West Side, police said.

He was identified Sunday as James Richard Thompson, of Plainfield, Illinois, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Thompson's family released a statement Sunday saying, "James was a shining light that brought joy and happiness everywhere he went. He was a fantastic son, brother, and friend to many. James enjoyed everything sports and the outdoors and always had a smile on his face and never would pass up the opportunity to try something new. He was driven to succeed in his professional life and did everything he could to constantly learn and accel at his job. We are devastated that our son, with an incredibly bright future ahead, was taken away by a criminal who ran a stop sign, killed our son, and drove away leaving an enormous hole in the hearts of family and all those that loved him."

The deadly hit-and-run happened around 1 a.m. in a very busy area of West Loop, filled with restaurants and bars.

Thompson was crossing the intersection West Washington Boulevard and North Green Street when a car blew through a stop sign and hit him, police said.

A witness told officers they saw it all happen as a vehicle involved then continued eastbound on Washington Boulevard.

Police said the victim, who suffered blunt force trauma to the whole body, was transported in critical condition to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police are looking for the four-door 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz sedan, which may be missing the passenger side-view mirror with some possible front-end damage.

Investigators encouraged all businesses and buildings along Washington Boulevard from Sangamon Street to Wacker Drive to check their surveillance footage for any video that may have captured the vehicle. The Major Accidents Unit asks anyone with video or information to contact them at 312-745-4521.

There is no one in custody. Police did not immediately provide further information about the crash.

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