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Family Mourns Beloved Uncle Killed In Hit-And-Run

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A grief-stricken family in Gresham is hoping tonight the hit-and-run driver who killed a beloved uncle and father figure will turn themselves in.

The victim was Arthur Johnson, who was about to celebrate his 77th birthday The hit and run happened at 83rd and Racine Wednesday morning.

Surveillance video from a nearby business of the incident captured the accident. Witness Dorothy Hunter-Brown says the driver of the black car was speeding before he hit Arthur Johnson.

"He had to be going at least 80-miles-per hour," said Hunter-Brown.

LaQuette Skinner says her uncle turn 77 years old today.

"While half of our family got to call him, the other half didn't. While we would be sitting here celebrating his life, we're mourning and it's just a tragedy," said Skinner.

Joyce Rufus says many years ago her uncle became the most important man in her life.

"And that is what he has always been to ma, a father. That is what he is. That is the word, a father," said Rufus.

So when a young kid not going to door with the news she immediately drove to the scene.

"He was just lying there. One shoe was on this side of the street and one was down there on the other end of the street

Now she and other family members are just wondering how the driver could've stayed away as an elderly Korean War veteran lay dying on the sidewalk.

"Just come forward. We can understand that there's accidents and things happen, but I just want you to come forward," said Rufus.

Police are looking for a 2002 to 2005 dark, two-door Mercedes-Benz C230 in connection with the hit-and-run.

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