Chicago Suspect Escapes Police After High-Speed Sidewalk Chase

Authorities continue search for driver who evaded officers after being cornered.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a dramatic incident in Chicago, police officers attempted to apprehend a suspect in a vehicle, pinning the car to the curb with guns drawn. However, the suspect then floored the gas, blasting down the sidewalk and escaping from the officers on foot.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement when pursuing suspects, as well as the potential dangers to public safety when suspects resort to reckless tactics to evade capture.

The details

According to reports, police had the suspect's vehicle cornered on the street, with officers surrounding the car with their weapons drawn. However, the suspect then suddenly accelerated, driving up onto the sidewalk and speeding away, forcing the officers to jump out of the way. The suspect was able to escape the scene, and a search is currently underway to locate the individual.

  • The incident occurred on February 16, 2026 around 3:30 pm local time.

The players

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for responding to the incident and attempting to apprehend the suspect.

Suspect

An unidentified individual who was able to evade capture by driving onto the sidewalk and fleeing the scene.

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What’s next

Authorities continue to search for the suspect and investigate the incident, with the goal of identifying and apprehending the individual.

The takeaway

This event underscores the need for continued training and coordination between law enforcement and the community to address public safety concerns, as well as the importance of developing strategies to safely apprehend suspects who resort to extreme measures to avoid capture.