A high-speed chase involving a stolen Jeep Cherokee culminated in a devastating crash on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, leaving seven individuals injured, including three young children.
Incident Overview
Around 9 p.m., Illinois State Police troopers, collaborating with a citywide hijacking task force, identified a stolen white Jeep Cherokee traveling northbound on Lake Shore Drive near the Chicago River. The vehicle had been reported stolen from the 3500 block of West Cullom in the Albany Park neighborhood.
As troopers attempted to intercept the vehicle, the 16-year-old male driver accelerated, initiating a pursuit. The chase proceeded north, with the suspect exiting at Belmont Avenue before reversing direction and heading south on Lake Shore Drive. The driver then exited onto Michigan Avenue, where he disregarded a red light at the intersection of Chicago Avenue, resulting in a collision with a van. The impact caused a chain reaction, involving a Jeep Compa.
Casualties and Arrests
Emergency responders transported multiple victims to local hospitals:
- Van Occupants: A woman and a 6-year-old girl were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital, respectively, both in fair condition.
- Jeep Compass Occupants: A woman was admitted to Northwestern in good condition, while two children, aged 4 and 6, were transported to Lurie in fair condition.
The teenage driver attemot but was apprehended after a brief chase. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition. A female passenger, whose age has not been disclosed, was also detained and transported to Northwestern in fair condition. Charges against both individuals are pending.
Community Response
This incident has intensified concerns regarding public safety and the protocols surrounding high-speed pursuits in densely populated urban areas. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash and to assess the actions taken during the pursuit.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official updates, please refer to statements from the Chicago Police Department and Illinois State Police.
