A 60-year old man authorities believe to be homeless sustained life-threatening injuries Sunday after being struck by a vehicle on Dempster Street in Niles – and is being cited for jaywalking.
According to Niles police Deputy Chief Thomas Fragassi, the man was crossing Dempster and Ozark streets just before 6 a.m. Sunday when he was struck in the curb lane of eastbound Dempster Street. He “crossed the street outside of a crosswalk,” the deputy chief told Pioneer Press.
The vehicle was moving on a green light and “had the right of way,” Fragassi explained.
Fragassi said authorities believe the man to be homeless. He was transported from the scene by Niles emergency responders to Lutheran General Hospital, in Park Ridge, with injuries described as life-threatening.
The man’s condition as of Tuesday was unknown.
Fragassi explained that the driver of the vehicle remained on scene and has cooperated with the investigation into the collision. Authorities said no driver impairment – including driving under the influence – is believed to be a contributing factor in the incident. It was not immediately clear, though, if speeding was involved.
The pedestrian is cited for crossing at other than a crosswalk, a village ordinance violation, Fragassi stated.
