The Will County State's Attorney early Tuesday morning approved charges against the driver of a vehicle that struck a 14-year-old girl and drove off.
The incident happened at about 8:30 p.m. Monday on South Chicago Street, also known as Route 53, and Pheasant Run Road, in Joliet. The 14-year-old was trying to cross the street to an apartment complex when police said she was hit by an SUV.
Illinois State Police said the driver, identified as John Severson, 59, returned to the area about a half hour later as officials were there investigating. It's unclear if Severson returned to surrender but witnesses recognized the vehicle and told police.
Severson was in the Will County Jail on Tuesday morning, charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury crash, which is a felony.
The teen, whose name was not released, was initially taken to Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center before being transported to Loyola University Medical Center. She was listed in "extremely critical" condition as of 6 a.m.
