Chicago Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Hit-and-Run

Suspect arrested minutes after allegedly striking pedestrian on West Side

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:55am

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A 57-year-old Chicago man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and other felonies after allegedly hitting a pedestrian with his vehicle and fleeing the scene on the city's West Side. The victim suffered serious injuries, but police were able to quickly locate and arrest the suspect.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents, especially those involving serious injuries, are a major public safety concern in Chicago. This case highlights the importance of law enforcement's ability to swiftly respond and apprehend suspects to hold them accountable and protect the community.

The details

According to police, Leo Cowan struck a 44-year-old woman with his vehicle around 9 p.m. on Thursday in the 5200 block of West Lake Street. Cowan then allegedly fled the scene on foot, but was located and taken into custody within minutes. In addition to the attempted murder charge, Cowan faces misdemeanor counts of operating an uninsured motor vehicle causing bodily harm and driving with an expired license.

  • The incident occurred around 9:12 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2026.
  • Cowan was arrested shortly after the hit-and-run, within minutes of the incident.

The players

Leo Cowan

A 57-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and other felonies for allegedly striking a pedestrian with his vehicle and fleeing the scene.

The 44-year-old victim

A pedestrian who suffered serious injuries after being struck by Cowan's vehicle in the 5200 block of West Lake Street in Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“Hit-and-run incidents, especially those involving serious injuries, are a major public safety concern in Chicago.”

— Chicago Police Department

What’s next

Cowan is scheduled to attend a detention hearing on Sunday to determine if he will be held in custody pending trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of law enforcement's ability to quickly respond and apprehend suspects in hit-and-run incidents to hold them accountable and protect public safety in the community.