A late-night police chase across multiple highways and city streets ended in a dramatic crash on Chicago’s Northwest Side following reports of a possible armed kidnapping that originated in the north suburbs. The pursuit, which began around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, spanned several miles before concluding near the intersection of Diversey and Milwaukee avenues in the Logan Square neighborhood.
The incident started when North Chicago police received a distress call from a woman around 10:30 p.m. She reported that she was being chased by her boyfriend, who was driving a gray Mazda sedan and might be armed with a gun. Responding officers were unable to locate the woman initially but spotted the gray Mazda near the scene.
As police approached, the driver of the Mazda sped away, prompting a high-speed pursuit. Officers soon discovered that the woman’s cell phone was pinging from inside the vehicle, suggesting she might be inside the car during the chase. This raised concerns about a potential kidnapping situation and escalated the urgency of the pursuit.
The pursuit began on the Edens Expressway, where North Chicago police were joined by Illinois State Police. The chase continued southbound, eventually merging onto the Kennedy Expressway and making its way into the city.
As the vehicle exited the expressway near Logan Square, the chase continued on residential streets. Witnesses reported seeing the gray Mazda weaving through traffic at speeds of up to 70 mph, running red lights, and swerving past other cars. Despite the danger, police continued to follow closely, determined to bring the situation under control.
Around 11:15 p.m., the high-speed pursuit came to an abrupt end when the Mazda collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Diversey and Milwaukee avenues. The force of the crash knocked over a light pole, scattering debris across the intersection.
After the crash, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Witnesses in the area described a chaotic scene as police officers quickly swarmed the area. According to state police, all individuals who fled the car were apprehended within minutes.
Two people were taken into custody following the crash, and one of the suspects was found to have an active arrest warrant, authorities said. The woman who had made the initial call was located inside the Mazda, but police reported that she was uncooperative when questioned about the incident. The exact nature of the relationship between the individuals and the events leading up to the chase remains under investigation.
Despite the high speeds and dangerous maneuvers during the pursuit, no major injuries were reported. However, the occupants of the car and at least one other individual were treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital.
The pursuit and crash drew the attention of residents across the Logan Square neighborhood, many of whom witnessed the conclusion of the chase. One resident described the moments leading up to the arrests: “I heard the sirens, then a loud crash. Suddenly, there were police everywhere. I saw the people run, but they didn’t get far before officers caught them.”
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the situation is still under investigation, and they are working to piece together the chain of events. “We responded to a report of a possible armed kidnapping, and our priority was ensuring the safety of the individual believed to be in danger,” said a spokesperson for the Illinois State Police. “Thankfully, the situation ended without serious injuries, and we were able to take the suspects into custody.”
Incidents like this have reignited discussions about the risks and benefits of high-speed chases, especially in urban areas where the potential for accidents is high. Critics argue that pursuits endanger both officers and civilians, while law enforcement maintains that these situations can be necessary when lives are at risk.
