A grandmother's quick-thinking and selflessness likely saved the life of her 7-year-old granddaughter when she put herself between the girl and an SUV that plowed into them nearly a month ago.
"All I could think of is to get her out of the way," said 60-year-old Theresa Perez of the May 14 incident when a white SUV making a left-hand turn onto Montrose struck into them as they crossed the street. The driver did not stop.
"My granddaughter could be dead. I could be dead. And no one cared," Perez said, still confined to a wheelchair with a broken bone in her knee, bruised ribs and a fractured pelvis. Her granddaughter, Damary Rodriguez, was likely spared major injury.
Police on Tuesday released nearby surveillance video of the hit -and-run in the hopes that the public can find the person responsible.
"He never stopped, never got out of his car to render aid or to give his information," said investigator Elliot Musail.
The white, four-door SUV is similar to the one pictured, possibly a Chevy Trailblazer or GMC Jimmy. It was making a left turn onto Montrose when it hit Perez and Rodriguez at about 6:20 p.m., police said.
Musial described it as one of the most cruel accidents he's ever seen. Other drivers and passersby can be seen in the surveillance video hurrying to help the victims.
Police describe the suspect driver as a man in his 20s. Authorities are working with witnesses, but police ask anyone with information to call the Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521.
"My concern is that this will happen again, and the next time it won't be someone who'll get so lucky," Perez said.
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