Man killed, another critically injured in Avondale hit-and-run crash

Police say the driver of a Toyota RAV4 disregarded a traffic signal and hit a Toyota Prius in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A 25-year-old man was killed and a 37-year-old man was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash early Friday morning in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood. Police say the driver of a Toyota RAV4 was traveling northbound on Elston Avenue when they disregarded a traffic signal and hit a Toyota Prius heading southbound on Kedzie Avenue. The RAV4 driver fled the scene on foot after the crash.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are an ongoing public safety issue in Chicago, with the city seeing a rise in such incidents in recent years. This crash highlights the tragic consequences when drivers flee the scene, leaving victims without immediate medical attention.

The details

According to police, the crash occurred around 6 a.m. in the 3500 block of North Elston Avenue. The Toyota RAV4 was traveling northbound on Elston when it ran a red light and collided with the southbound Toyota Prius at the intersection of Kedzie Avenue. The passenger in the Prius, a 25-year-old man, was pronounced dead at Illinois Masonic Hospital. The Prius driver, a 37-year-old man, was taken to the same hospital in critical condition. The RAV4 driver fled the scene on foot and has not been apprehended.

  • The crash happened just before 6 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Toyota RAV4 driver

The unidentified driver of the Toyota RAV4 that fled the scene after the crash.

25-year-old man

The passenger in the Toyota Prius who was killed in the crash.

37-year-old man

The driver of the Toyota Prius who was critically injured in the crash.

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What’s next

Police are still searching for the driver of the Toyota RAV4 who fled the scene. The Major Accidents Unit is investigating the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run incident underscores the need for improved road safety measures and stricter penalties for drivers who abandon the scene of a crash, leaving victims without aid. It also highlights the ongoing challenges Chicago faces in addressing the rise of hit-and-run collisions across the city.