Driver in custody after striking skateboarder in Wicker Park
BY BRIAN SLODYSKO Staff Reporter October 19, 2012 4:20AM
Updated: October 19, 2012 11:04AM
A 42-year-old man is in critical condition after a motorist struck him as he rode a skateboard in the Wicker Park neighborhood early Friday.
The man was riding a skateboard in the bike lane of the 1700 block of North Milwaukee Avenue about 2 a.m. when he was struck from behind by a southbound Dodge Neon, police said.
The driver of the Neon fled the scene. Officers on patrol heard a crash and went to the scene, where they found the victim lying on the ground, News Affairs Officer Jose Estrada said.
The skateboarder was taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, where he was in critical condition, police said.
Officers pulled the motorist over a short while later near West North Avenue and North Oakley Boulevard, News Affairs Officer Amina Greer said. He was taken into custody, and charges were pending as of about 10:30 a.m.
Greer said the driver of the vehicle may have been intoxicated. Area Central detectives are investigating.
