Driver charged with fatal hit-and-run while fleeing police in West Chatham

CHICAGO (Fox 32 News) - A Chicago woman who was described by her family as "the life of the party" was run down and killed by a hit and run driver Thursday night.

Julie Callaway, 55, was crossing South Lafayette Avenue so she could pick up her only grandchild. She died; another pedestrian who was crossing with her survived.

Curtis Pugh, 22, of Matteson, was arrested a few blocks away. Chicago Police said he had been fleeing police. He is now charged with murder. After bond court, his attorney said that he had a minor criminal past and that this incident was an aberration. He is being held without bond.

Callaway's daughter, Kymberly Jones, said that the family's Mother's Day celebration was supposed to include brunch at a hotel. Instead, she was at the spot where her mother was killed, laying flowers and balloons.

"It's unreal," Jones said. "I can't deal. We can't deal."

Julie Callaway's memorial will be held on Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church.