Police release wanted vehicle images as tributes memorialize woman killed in Austin hit-and-run

CHICAGO (WGN) — Balloons, flowers and other items dotted North Avenue between Linder and Lotus in the city’s Austin neighborhood—tributes in memoriam of a woman who died this week from injuries sustained in a late February hit-and-run.

“I feel sorry for the family,” said Celestine George, who works in the area. “They have my condolences … It hurts my heart seeing anybody get hurt.”

68-year-old Pamela Lukes was critically injured after she was hit by a vehicle crossing the street in the 5400 block of West North Avenue sometime around 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, according to the Chicago Police Department. The vehicle fled the scene. It is described as a light-colored sedan going west on North Avenue.

Police said the suspect vehicle is described as being a 2007-10 Hyundai Sonata with a missing driver’s side mirror and front end damage.

Lukes suffered lacerations on her head and fractures to both of her legs before being taken to a local hospital where she died this week.

Ald. Emma Witts (37th Ward) released the following statement in response to Lukes’ death Wednesday:

“The driver of the identifiable car that hit her never even stopped, and this is both deplorable and unacceptable. This could have but never should have happened to anyone!! However, primarily thanks to area camera footage, this dangerous vehicle is currently being sought by authorities.” – Alderwoman Emma Mitts (37th Ward)

If you or someone you know has information that could help lead police to the suspect vehicle, or an arrest and conviction in the investigation of this fatal hit-and-run, anonymous tips can be filed online with police at cpdtip.org.