Dear Residents of West Englewood, Chicago Lawn, Marquette Park and surrounding areas,

The family of Ms. Tanja Safforld needs your support in their fight for justice. This petition is to bring awareness to the tragic incident that took Tanja Safforld from her family.  

On November 20, 2024, Ms. Tanja Safforld, a loving mother, grandmother, and family member, was tragically taken from her family as the result of a hit-and-run driver.

There has been a lack of transparency from the Chicago Police Department, Detective L. Youmara, and the Shell gas station owner located at 6700 S. Western Avenue. The photos of the suspected vehicle provided by the Chicago Police Department have made minimal circulation on local media outlets. The detective investigating this tragedy has been very hostile towards the family when providing him with information about this incident. The Shell gas station located at the said intersection has refused to release any video footage to the family or to the Chicago Police Department.

There are a plethora of cameras at the intersection of 6700 S. Western Avenue as well as north and south of this intersection, many located at a multitude of businesses located there, as well as red light cameras that the City of Chicago manages. The media coverage regarding this tragic incident has diminished and the family is now working to bring awareness to the elected officials of the city of Chicago.

We are requesting the support of Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee Chair Alderman Daniel La Spata, 16th Ward Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman, CPD 8th District Commander Bryan Spreyne, and the Area 1 detectives to provide this family with transparency in finding the driver of this vehicle.

It has been over a year since this tragic incident and the lack of importance that has been given to the case by Detective Youmara as well as that lack of interest and response from 16th Ward Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee Chairman Alderman Daniel Spata, Police and Fireman Committee Chairman Alderman Chris Taliaferro, Public Safety Committee Chairman Brian Hopkins and Transportation and Public Way Committee Chairman Gregory Mitchell. As elected public servants, their silence speaks volumes. 

We are asking for the hit-and-run suspect to turn himself in and that justice be achieved for Tanja Safforld and her family.

Please show your support to the family of Tanja Safforld by signing and sharing this petition.