Officials ID West Loop hit-and-run victim, release photo of offender’s car

Chicago — There are new developments in the hit-and-run crash that left a pedestrian dead in the West Loop on Saturday morning. Chicago police have released a picture of the car involved, and officials have publicly identified the victim.

Police said the 26-year-old man was crossing the intersection of Washington and Green streets when the driver of a Mercedes-Benz sedan ran a stop sign and struck him around 1:05 a.m. The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the victim as James Richard Thompson of Plainfield.

Chicago police said this is the Mercedes-Benz that struck and killed the victim at Washington and Green streets on March 25, 2023. | Chicago Police Department

After striking Thompson, the driver continued heading east on Washington without stopping to help, police said.

Chicago police major accident investigators (MAIU) released a surveillance image showing the Mercedes before the crash. CPD said the car is a black, four-door model manufactured between 2006 and 2010. They expect the car to have front-end damage and be missing its passenger-side mirror.

The police are also asking businesses and building managers along Washington between Sangamon Street and Wacker Drive to check their surveillance footage for any video of the car.

“All citizens are also encouraged to contact MAIU with any information if the possible vehicle is that of a neighbor, friend, or family member,” the department said in a media release.

Information can be shared with investigators by calling 312-745-4521 and referencing case number JG-198105.