http://www.rrstar.com/news/publicsafety/x782336444/Condition-worsens-for-Rockford-man-struck-by-car

Condition worsens for Rockford man struck by car.

RRSTAR.COM STAFF REPORTS
Posted Feb 03, 2012 @ 03:29 PM
Last update Feb 03, 2012 @ 09:11 PM

Rockford man in wheelchair gets hit, gets ticketed

ROCKFORD — A man in a wheelchair struck while crossing the street by a Pontiac Grand Prix earlier this week is fighting for his life in intensive care at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition today.

Willie Forest, 51, was crossing the street in the area of 11th Street and Alton Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when he was hit, sending him flying into the Pontiac’s windshield.

His sister, Alice Halcom of Rockford, said today that Forest isn’t responsive and doctors aren’t sure whether he can hear his family when they visit. Police said Forest was wearing dark clothing, making it hard for motorists to see him.

He was cited for crossing the street outside of a crosswalk. Spring Thompson, 34, of Rockford, was cited for driving without insurance.

“He was not crossing the street at a crosswalk as a pedestrian should. Wrong is wrong,” Halcom said. “But I feel that charges should be brought on this woman, depending on if my brother lives or not.”