Police locate vehicle, interview person of interest in hit-and-run that critically injured 12-year-old in Deerfield

Authorities have recovered a vehicle and are speaking to a person on interest in connection to a hit-and-run last week that seriously injured a 12-year-old boy in the north suburb, Deerfield police announced Wednesday morning.

Police have been searching for a driver since the Feb. 7 crash that injured Chase Thompson as he crossed a street near near Deerfield Road and Beverly Place.

His family offered a $10,000 reward for information leading in a conviction or to assist the driver with legal fees, if he or she surrenders, police said.

In a statement Wednesday morning, Deerfield police said a “vehicle is being processed for evidence and police are also interviewing a person of interest at this time.”

No charges have been filed.

Thompson was found unresponsive about 7:10 p.m. in the road and taken to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with “extensive injuries,” police said. He was transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Police said Thompson has special needs and is non-verbal, and left home without his family knowing.

Police said they were searching for a dark-colored 2013-2016 Ford Escape with an SEL or titanium trim.

Anyone with information is asked to call Deerfield police at 847-945-8636.