Man killed in NW Side hit-and-run

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A man was killed after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in a hit-and-run on the Northwest Side Thursday morning, Chicago police said.

A 50-year-old man was struck by a red Volkswagen traveling southbound in the 3000-block of North Cicero Avenue in the Cragin neighborhood at about 4:14 a.m., police said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released his identity.

Police said the Volkswagen continued south on Cicero. No other injuries were reported.

Police had blocked off Cicero Avenue to investigate. Cicero has since reopened.

Guillermo Contreras said a neighbor heard the victim's friend yelling for help.

"The lady said someone is with him and they were screaming to everybody, asking for help and nobody can help the guy until the ambulance come," he said.

In this predominantly commercial corridor with many tire shops, restaurants, bars and businesses, shop owners complain of several accidents in the same area in recent years, with cars speeding through with no regard for traffic signs. Buenos Aires Liquor and Deli owner Mario Gimenez said he hears loud accidents all the time.

"When I stay in the back, I say, 'boom, big accident' It's normal here and ..You can't do anything," Gimenez said.

Chicago police are investigating.