Cicero Traffic Stop Leads to Crash, Arrests in Chicago

Two people taken into custody, one a known gang member, after fleeing from police

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A traffic stop in Cicero, Illinois led to a chase and crash in Chicago's Near West Side neighborhood on Monday afternoon. Cicero police officers attempted to pull over a vehicle, but the driver fled. Chicago police later located the vehicle and tried to conduct another traffic stop, leading to a crash that heavily damaged two vehicles. Two people were taken into custody, with one identified as a known gang member in the area.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement when attempting to conduct routine traffic stops, as well as the potential for such encounters to escalate into dangerous high-speed chases and crashes. The involvement of a known gang member also raises concerns about the broader issue of gang activity and crime in the Chicago metropolitan area.

The details

According to Cicero police, the incident began around 4 p.m. when officers tried to conduct a traffic stop in the 4900 block of W. 26th St. The driver initially stopped but then fled the scene. Cicero police did not chase the vehicle but did deploy a tracking device. Chicago police later located the vehicle and attempted another traffic stop, leading to the crash in the area of N. Oakley Blvd and W. Washington Blvd. A WGN News crew on the scene observed two heavily damaged vehicles.

  • The incident began around 4 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • Chicago police located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop later that same day.

The players

Cicero Police

The law enforcement agency that initially attempted to conduct the traffic stop that led to the chase and crash.

Chicago Police

The law enforcement agency that located the fleeing vehicle and attempted a second traffic stop, leading to the crash.

Known Gang Member

One of the two individuals taken into custody by police, identified as a known gang member in the area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Police have not yet released the identities of those detained or the charges related to the incident. This story will be updated when additional information becomes available.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the complex and dangerous situations that can arise from routine traffic stops, underscoring the need for continued training, coordination, and risk assessment protocols for law enforcement agencies to safely navigate such encounters.