Car Fleeing Police Crashes Into Café, Newsstand in Chicago's Portage Park

Four suspects taken into custody after stolen vehicle pursuit ends in collision with local business

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window or damaged car part, capturing the stark, gritty aftermath of a high-speed chase and crash in Chicago.The aftermath of a high-speed chase that ended in a crash, exposing the harsh realities of crime and law enforcement in Chicago.Chicago Today

Early Thursday morning, a stolen black Kia sedan being pursued by Chicago police crashed into a well-known café and newsstand in the city's Portage Park neighborhood. Four suspects were taken into custody, with minor injuries reported. The incident caused damage to the City News Café, which has operated in the community since 1978.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the ongoing challenges of high-speed police chases in urban areas, which can endanger public safety and lead to property damage. It also shines a light on the resilience of small, local businesses like City News Café that have served their neighborhoods for decades.

The details

At around 4:30 a.m., officers spotted the stolen Kia running red lights in the Six Corners area. They attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the driver fled, eventually losing control and crashing into the storefront and outdoor seating area of City News Café. Four suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 26, were apprehended at the scene and taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Three guns were recovered from the car.

  • At 4:30 a.m. on April 16, 2026, police spotted the stolen Kia sedan.
  • The police pursuit and eventual crash into City News Café occurred early Thursday morning.

The players

City News Café

A well-known café and newsstand in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood that has operated since 1978, originally starting as a corner newsstand before expanding to its current location.

Joe Angelastri

The owner of City News Café, who purchased a corner newsstand at 4002 N. Milwaukee Ave. in 1978 at the age of 18 and later expanded the business to its current location on Cicero Avenue.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by small, local businesses in urban areas, as they must contend with the risks of high-speed police chases and property damage. However, the resilience of City News Café, which has served the Portage Park community for nearly 50 years, demonstrates the enduring spirit of these neighborhood institutions.