The 12-year-old Deerfield boy struck by a hit-and-run driver is now conscious and breathing on his own in the hospital, his father said.
Thad Thompson told CBS 2 Chicago Sunday evening that his son, Chase Thompson, is no longer in critical condition. Chase’s father said that his son’s prognosis is good but he still has a long way to recovery, ABC7 reported.
Stacy A. Shapiro, 46, of Northbrook, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury, a Class 2 felony, in connection with the incident.
Shapiro turned herself in to the Deerfield Police Department on Friday after charges had been approved by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and an arrest warrant was issued.
Chase was struck by a car around 7:07 p.m. February 7 near Deerfield Road and Beverly Place in Deerfield. A person driving by found the boy unresponsive in the roadway and called 911.
The Deerfield Police Department said that Chase was struck by a vehicle that was traveling westbound on Deerfield Road. The vehicle, a Ford Escape believed to have been driven by Shapiro, did not stop and continued driving on Deerfield Road.
Paramedics transported the critically injured boy to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. He was then transferred by a medical helicopter to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Chase’s father told the Lake County News-Sun that his son, who is autistic and non-verbal, escaped from their home without shoes or a coat.
A GoFundMe account has raised almost $50,000 for medical bills and other costs the family will endure.
Shapiro was released from the Lake County Jail after posting 10 percent of her $250,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.
If convicted, Shapiro faces between 3-7 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.