Family of Pilsen hit-and-run victim asks public for help

CHICAGO (STNG) -- The family of a woman who was killed earlier this month in a hit-and-run when a car hit her and propelled her into the path of a CTA bus is asking anyone with information to come forward in the still-unsolved case.

A statement released Oct. 22 from the family of Martha Gonzalez who was killed in the wreck thanked the public for its support asked for anyone with information about the incident to call the Major Accidents Investigation Unit, (312) 745-4521. The MAIU is available 24 hours per day and has Spanish speakers available.

On October 13, Gonzalez, 34, was crossing the street in the South Side Pilsen neighborhood when she was struck by a car, according to police. Gonzalez was then propelled into the path of a northbound CTA bus behind the car, police said.

Gonzalez, of 2036 W. Cullerton St., was dead on the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

An autopsy found that Gonzalez died of multiple injuries from a car and a bus striking her, according to the medical examiner's office. Her death was ruled an accident, the medical examiner's office said.

Detectives are looking for a blue or purple, four-door sedan with a chrome, centered-trim grill, according to police News Affairs Officer Amina Greer. The car has damage to the hood on the driver’s side near the headlight area. It was last seen going north on Halsted Street from the accident scene.

The vehicle was possibly driven by a man in his 30s, police said.

The Martha Gonzalez Memorial committee will hold a press conference Tuesday appealing to the community to help find out information as well as highlight traffic safety issues in the area. The 5 p.m. event will be held at Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery at 1733 S. Halsted St.