Police are asking for assistance in identifying a vehicle wanted after a 3-year-old boy was struck by a hit-and-run driver on Chicago’s South Side Monday night.
Patrick Zbylut was supposed to spend Halloween trick-or-treating with his cousins—but instead ended up in the hospital fighting for his life after being struck by a motorist who did not stop. Police say a woman who lives nearby gave them surveillance footage from her home security system that shows the incident—including the vehicle involved.
Police are looking for an older model Toyota Corolla, possibly gray or beige in color. They say it may or may not have some slight front end damage. The driver is believed to be a man in his 20s.
“This 3-year-old boy is in very serious condition at the hospital and we would really like to get this person who did this to him,” said Lt. Allison Scholoss, of the Chicago Police Department’s Major Accident Investigations Unit.
Patrick was hit about 6:15 p.m. Monday near West 63rd Street and South Natchez Avenue where he was crossing this street with his mom, dad and older brother. Witnesses say the driver stopped momentarily before taking off. Now police are asking for information about the car.
“My nephew was hit by a hit-and-run driver,” said Thomas Rykala, Patrick’s uncle.
Neighbors and people in the area came to the aid of the family and tried to comfort Patrick’s mother.
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“I was just trying to get her to breath,” said witness Virginia Padilla. “She was hyperventilating and the older boy who was with her—he was freaking out.”
Family members say Patrick likes to play with toy cars and ride his bike—things they pray he’ll be able to do again. Those who live in the area say they’ve always feared something like this would happen.
“This street is very dangerous,” said neighbor Kimberly Melendez.
Araceli Solis agrees.
“They need to put a stop sign to make sure there is more control of the speed limit,” she said.
