Chicago police reportedly discovered “hairs” lodged in the shattered windshield of a vehicle that was stopped last week. This was highlighted by CWB Chicago.
A significant development in the investigation arose when authorities identified that the hair found on the windshield matched that of the 76-year-old victim of a hit-and-run incident.
Nyamca Tolefree has been charged with failing to report a fatal accident, which is categorized as a felony.
Last Tuesday, around 9:30 PM, patrol officers on the city’s south side found no injuries nearby at the intersection of 70th Avenue and West Avenue, according to CWB Chicago.
Witnesses told the outlet that the driver, who was in a speeding silver vehicle, crashed into the victim moving north through the area.
CWB Chicago provided further details, noting that about 30 minutes later, the officers at the scene saw a damaged silver Hyundai Santa Fe passing by with a significant crack in its windshield. Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, but the driver seemed to take an unusual amount of time to stop. Upon doing so, they allegedly found hair resembling the victim’s in the windshield, as well as a bottle of Sv vodka under the seats.
According to the arrest report, 29-year-old Tolefree seemed unsteady and asked to lean against the squad car. Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol on her breath and body, and she appeared to struggle with coherent speech.
Reports indicate that while being transported in the squad car, Tolefree urinated on herself and refused to take a sobriety test, making several comments about her involvement in the crash.
Initially, she faced a misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence, but CWB Chicago later reported that prosecutors would refrain from pursuing that charge.
Tolefree has been charged with failing to report the fatal accident and allegedly transporting alcohol while driving, along with several other offenses. Judge Luciano Panici Jr. has ordered her to be held in custody as the case proceeds.
The Cook County State Attorney’s Office was asked for comment, especially regarding why DUI charges weren’t pursued. They stated that the felony charge for leaving the scene of a fatal accident was approved, and the misdemeanor charges have been dismissed. Tolefree is currently held at Cook County Jail, awaiting her next court appearance scheduled for June 4th.
