The driver of a stolen car ran a red light and crashed on the Magnificent Mile on Wednesday night, injuring seven people, including three young children, who were taken to hospitals, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Shortly before 9 p.m., Illinois State Police troopers, who were part of a citywide hijacking task force, spotted a stolen Jeep Cherokee traveling northbound on Lake Shore Drive near the Chicago River, according to reports. Troopers and other task force units pursued the Jeep as it fled north. The vehicle exited at Belmont and then turned around, heading back south on the drive.
A 16-year-old male driver of the stolen Jeep exited onto Michigan Avenue, ran a red light at Chicago Avenue, and crashed into a van, according to sources and a statement from (CPD). A Jeep Compass and a Honda SUV were also involved in the collision, police reported. The teenager was arrested after a brief foot chase and was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition. His female passenger, whose age has not been disclosed, was also taken to Northwestern Memorial in fair condition. CPD stated that charges are pending against both individuals.
EMS transported a woman and a six-year-old girl from the van to Northwestern and Lurie Children’s Hospital where both were reported to be in fair condition. Three occupants of the Jeep Compass were also taken to hospitals: a woman was transported to Northwestern in good condition, while two children, ages 4 and 6, were taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital in fair condition.
The CPD records indicate that the Jeep Cherokee was recently stolen from Albany Park. The police categorized it as a “straight steal,” meaning it was a routine auto theft rather than a carjacking.
