CHICAGO, IL - Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of an at-large suspect behind a fatal hit-and-run this past summer in Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood that claimed the life of a 22-year-old man.
On August 9th at approximately 3:30 a.m., 22-year-old Jermaine Martin Jr. was crossing a crosswalk along the 5400 block of South Kedzie Avenue when the driver of a gray SUV heading northbound disregarded a traffic signal, fatally striking Martin. Video of the incident shows Martin trying to avoid being struck by the vehicle, with the at-large suspect appearing to speed up, hitting Martin before fleeing the scene.
Months after the 22-year-old’s passing, the victim’s father expressed his anger over the fact that the person who killed his son is still walking free. Clearly, having seen the video of the moments leading to his son’s death, the elder Martin said, “They ran him down like an animal.”
Highlighting both the unexpected nature and manner in which his son was killed, Martin added, “It’s a horrible thing when a loved one gets taken away that way.” The victim’s father said an employee at a Walgreens situated outside where his son was killed reached out to him following the fatal hit-and-run, recounting how the employee said his son was a regular there and that “the impact was so loud she thought it was two cars.”
Investigators have yet to identify any possible suspects involved in the fatal incident, with Cook County Crime Stoppers now offering a $1,000 reward for any information that can lead to an arrest and conviction in the ongoing investigation.
As for the elder Martin, all he wants is justice, saying, “To the people that did it, if y’all out here, turn yourself in. Y’all weren’t right. You took my son, y’all took a brother, a nephew… I want what’s right for my son. I’m going to keep fighting and raising awareness.”
Anyone with information that can assist with the ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Chicago Police Area Three Detectives Division at 312-744-8263, or individuals can submit an anonymous tip online via the Chicago Police Department’s tip line.
On August 9th at approximately 3:30 a.m., 22-year-old Jermaine Martin Jr. was crossing a crosswalk along the 5400 block of South Kedzie Avenue when the driver of a gray SUV heading northbound disregarded a traffic signal, fatally striking Martin. Video of the incident shows Martin trying to avoid being struck by the vehicle, with the at-large suspect appearing to speed up, hitting Martin before fleeing the scene.
Months after the 22-year-old’s passing, the victim’s father expressed his anger over the fact that the person who killed his son is still walking free. Clearly, having seen the video of the moments leading to his son’s death, the elder Martin said, “They ran him down like an animal.”
Highlighting both the unexpected nature and manner in which his son was killed, Martin added, “It’s a horrible thing when a loved one gets taken away that way.” The victim’s father said an employee at a Walgreens situated outside where his son was killed reached out to him following the fatal hit-and-run, recounting how the employee said his son was a regular there and that “the impact was so loud she thought it was two cars.”
Investigators have yet to identify any possible suspects involved in the fatal incident, with Cook County Crime Stoppers now offering a $1,000 reward for any information that can lead to an arrest and conviction in the ongoing investigation.
As for the elder Martin, all he wants is justice, saying, “To the people that did it, if y’all out here, turn yourself in. Y’all weren’t right. You took my son, y’all took a brother, a nephew… I want what’s right for my son. I’m going to keep fighting and raising awareness.”
Anyone with information that can assist with the ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Chicago Police Area Three Detectives Division at 312-744-8263, or individuals can submit an anonymous tip online via the Chicago Police Department’s tip line.
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