Crime & Safety

Joliet Cops Hunting Hit-And-Run Killer

A hit-and-run driver mowed down a Crest Hill man walking his dog early Saturday, leaving him mortally injured in the street.

A Crest Hill man left to die in the street by a hit-and-run driver Saturday morning clung to life but succumbed to his injuries Monday.

Luis Vallaldid, 68, died at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center two days after a car ran him down near the corner of Curtis Avenue and William Street.

Vallaldid and his wife, 68-year-old Carmen Vallaldid, were walking their dog about 6:45 a.m. Saturday. The Vallaldids were in the street but near the sidewalk when a smaller, gray or silver car heading east on the westbound side of the roadway hit them, said Joliet police Capt. Mike Botzum.

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Luis Vallaldid suffered grievous injuries, Botzum said, but Carmen Vallaldid was just grazed by the car and unhurt.

The driver got out of the car, walked over and looked down at the dying Luis Vallaldid, Botzum said. He then returned to the vehicle and drove away north on Waverly Place without speaking to Carmen Vallaldid, the captain said.

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The police are now searching for the driver, who Botzum said is a thin, 5-foot-10 black man with gold teeth. Anyone with information on the driver or the crash is asked to call the police department's traffic division at 815-724-3010 or the Will County Crime Stopper's hotline at 800-323-6734. The public can also email through jolietpolice.org or text in tips to 274637.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for cash rewards.


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