$5,000 reward in hit-and-run that killed Lake Zurich teen

The Lake County Crime Stoppers has announced a $5,000 reward will be paid for information that leads to the arrest of the hit-and-run driver who killed 18-year-old Gabriella Drozdz in late July, officials said.

Crime Stoppers officials said in a special announcement Friday they have teamed with Lake Zurich Police and are seeking information to locate the vehicle.

Officials said they are looking for a GMC Safari or a Chevrolet Astrovan, model year 1985 to 1994, with a broken front yellow turn signal on the right side. Police said the vehicle may have additional damage on that side due to the accident.

The light-colored van had an Illinois license plate mounted on the rear hatch, officials said.

Drozdz was walking with Rosie Fitts, 16, and Vanessa Fits, 18, on the gravel shoulder of Church Street at 9:13 p.m. on Friday, July 22, when they were struck from behind by a southbound vehicle near Jamie Lane.

The three were walking to Alpine Fest, officials said.

Drozdz was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville after the accident, where she died of her injuries. Rosie and Vanessa Fitts were both taken to Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington and later released.

The offending vehicle fled the area before police arrived.

Anyone with information regarding the vehicle is asked to call Lake County Crime Stoppers at (847) 662-2222. All callers will remain anonymous, police officials said.