Driver Charged In Fatal Avondale Hit-And-Run
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run that devastated a North Side community.
Three days after Chris Sanchez was buried, his family was receiving a measure of closure, as the driver who fatally struck him last week has been caught.
Felix Fajardo, of Portage Park, has been charged with a felony count of leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He was due to appear for a bond hearing Monday afternoon.
On Feb. 21, Sanchez was walking home and was crossing the street at the intersection of Milwaukee and Belmont avenues, when he was struck by an SUV, and thrown about 30 feet.
Sanchez was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said Fajardo was behind the wheel of the white SUV, and left the scene after hitting Sanchez. Police announced his arrest early Monday.
Sanchez's family buried him on Friday.
"The passing of Chris was a blow to the family. He was one of the pillars for his family, despite the fact that he was the youngest. He was a surprise baby for his parents. He was a very dedicated son and brother," said his cousin, Maria Cartage. "He was always, always smiling; always just quick to laugh, and play tricks, and play with any of our kids. He might not have been a father, but he was a father to all of our kids."
Sanchez's relatives said, if Fajardo had stopped to help him, or called 911, Sanchez might have survived.
