A 32-year-old Near West Side man died on Saturday as a result of injuries sustained in a Chicago taxi cab accident, the Tribune reported.
Authorities say the victim was leaning in the window, perhaps arguing with the cab driver, when the cab took off, dragging him for more than a block and running over his legs. He was pronounced dead at 5 p.m. Saturday by the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
His parents say the victim was a full-time MBA student and a die-hard Cubs Fan. He was hospitalized at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center for more than a week before dying as a result of his injuries.
Family members are pleading with the public to help find the cab driver, who fled the scene. The cab is white with blue stripes. Authorities say the University of Chicago student had been trying to hail a cab outside his house when the argument started, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Family and friends are offering a $20,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the cab driver.
Friends say the victim was always ready to help, and had been nicknamed “Batman” after tackling a burglar who was looting a neighbor’s home this year and chasing down a mugger who stole an elderly woman’s purse.
Police are reviewing nearby surveillance video with the hope of identifying the cab driver. Anyone with information is asked to call the Chicago Police Department at (312) 745-4521.