Stolen Car Chase Ends in Violent Crash into Chicago Business

Four suspects arrested after high-speed pursuit leads to storefront collision

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shattered car window glass reflecting a single red and blue police light, conveying the aftermath of a high-speed chase and collision.The violent crash of a stolen vehicle during a police pursuit exposes the complex public safety challenges facing Chicago's new administration.Chicago Today

Security footage shows a car carrying four young people slam into a storefront on Cicero during a police chase early Thursday morning after running a red light in a vehicle matching one reported stolen. Two passengers were ejected, two tried to flee on foot, and police recovered weapons from inside the car. All four suspects, ages 17 to 26, survived with minor injuries and were taken into custody as charges are pending.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about carjackings, police pursuits, and property damage in Chicago, as well as debates around criminal justice reform and public safety policies under the city's new mayor.

The details

According to police, the chase began when officers spotted a vehicle matching the description of one reported stolen earlier that night. The suspects ran a red light at the intersection of Cicero and Division, leading to a high-speed pursuit that ended when the car slammed into a local café. Two passengers were ejected from the vehicle, while the other two tried to flee on foot before being apprehended. Authorities recovered weapons from inside the car.

  • The incident occurred early Thursday morning around 2:30 AM.
  • The vehicle had been reported stolen earlier that same night.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago, whose criminal justice policies have faced criticism from some over the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is exactly the kind of lawlessness we've been warning about under the mayor's soft-on-crime approach. Enough is enough.”

— Alderman John Doe, City Council Member

What’s next

Prosecutors are expected to file formal charges against the four suspects in the coming days.

The takeaway

The violent crash and police pursuit underscore the ongoing challenges Chicago faces with carjackings, property crime, and public safety, as the new administration's criminal justice reforms continue to be debated.