Accident That Killed a 72-Year-Old Man Not a Hit-and-Run, Police Say

Police originally reported the crash as a hit-and-run but investigators now say all vehicles and witnesses remained on scene

A crash that killed a 72-year-old pedestrian Thursday night in the north suburbs has been determined not to be a hit-and-run, police say. 

"Original reports indicated that a vehicle had fled the scene prior to police arrival. However based on the ongoing investigation, Niles investigators have determined that not to be true," police said in a statement. 

The deadly crash occurred about 6:24 p.m. near Greenwood Avenue and Betty Terrace in Niles, police said.

"As the pedestrian entered into the Northbound curb lane of Greenwood Avenue, a vehicle described as a gray 2016 Jeep Patriot struck the pedestrian causing that pedestrian to be transported to Lutheran General Hospital for injuries sustained during the crash," police said in a statement. 

That pedestrian, identified as 72-year-old Michael J. Potwora, was later pronounced dead. 

Police say that they are confident all parties involved in the crash, including the person who struck Potwora, have been identified and interviewed. 

The NORTAF Major Crash Assistance Team will assist authorities in the investigation, and Niles police say that charges may be sought in connection with the incident after the investigation is completed.  

Anyone who was traveling on Greenwood Avenue around the time of the accident is asked to contact the Niles Police Department at 8437-588-6500.

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