Missing Edgewater man found hospitalized after apparent hit-and-run crash, friends say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A missing 61-year-old Edgewater man was found hospitalized after an apparent hit-and-run crash, bringing both relief and concern to the close-knit group of neighbors who had been searching for him.

Jamie Dozier's friends became concerned on Sunday, his 61st birthday, after he stopped answering calls and text messages.

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According to neighbor Ann Regan, Dozier's disappearance was unusual for someone she described as a positive presence in the neighborhood.

"He's always kind of like, bright colors and flowers and stuff like that. He's a great individual," Regan said.

Regan said friends became increasingly alarmed on Monday when Dozier failed to attend a planned show.

"His friends came over Monday night and said he was supposed to meet us at this show and he didn't show up and that's not like Jamie," Regan said.

A friend filed a missing person report Monday night. On Tuesday, Regan said she reviewed surveillance footage from their building and found that Dozier had left at 5:18 p.m. Sunday.

"We know he left the building at 5:18 p.m. Sunday evening and no one had seen him since so it was really out of character for Jamie," Regan said.

Regan said she created and posted flyers throughout the Edgewater neighborhood. Shortly afterward, someone responded that a man matching Dozier's description had been taken to St. Francis Hospital after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run.

According to the information shared by Regan, Dozier was crossing the street at the intersection of Ravenswood and Ridge on Sunday evening when he was hit by a car. He suffered head trauma. Regan said Dozier lives alone and has no living relatives, but that a close friend is staying by his side at the hospital.

"We hope everyone keeps him in his prayers and he has a swift recovery," Regan said.

Chicago police said they do not have a description of the vehicle involved and are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

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