Motorist Pleads Not Guilty in Dragging Death of Chicago Girl

August 10, 2010 - A Chicago man appeared in a Cook County court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a hit-and-run accident in June. According to a report at the Chicago Sun-Times, the 67-year-old man hit and dragged an 11-year-old girl with his van shortly before 7 p.m. on June 22. The pedestrian accident occurred on Chicago's Southeast Side. 

Prosecutors say the man was driving westbound on 79^th Street when he accelerated to beat a red light at the intersection with Colfax Street. As his van went speeding through the intersection, he struck an 11-year-old girl who was crossing the street in a crosswalk. Witnesses saw the van drag the victim before the driver stopped momentarily and then fled the scene. Deputies with the South Chicago District found the van later that night, based on witness recollections of the license plate. The driver turned himself into police early the next morning.

The victim died shortly after the accident at University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. Even though the driver pleaded not guilty, prosecutors say they have a taped confession. He is due in court again on Sept. 6.