An Illinois Department of Transportation worker was struck and critically injured overnight in a hit-and-run crash, police said.
The IDOT Minuteman, Miguel Silva, was helping a motorist around midnight on the side of the outbound Dan Ryan Expressway near 26th Street when another driver hit him and sped away, police said.
Silva, 42, is a U.S. Army veteran who has been with the department since 2006.
The vehicle was described as a silver or gray car. Witnesses said it may have been a Nissan. Investigators said they've gathered broken headlight lenses from the scene in an attempt to better identify the vehicle's manufacturer.
“The front right passenger area of the vehicle does have damage to it," said ISP Lt. Paul Riggio.
The worker was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with a broken right leg, but when he arrived, doctors discovered he also had internal bleeding and listed him in critical condition.
“It’s a very dangerous job. They put their lives on the line every single day they report to work. Last night’s incident was another unfortunate example of the dangers that are involved," said IDOT spokesperson Guy Tridgell.
State Police continue searching for the car. IDOT is using its overhead electric signs to ask drivers with information to come forward.
Anyone who saw something related to the incident around midnight on the Dan Ryan is asked to call state police at 847-294-4400.
Hitting an IDOT worker is a serious offense. If convicted the driver could face up to 14 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
