Newly-discovered video shows the driver of a stolen SUV ramming through two other cars to escape Chicago cops at a bustling Gold Coast intersection. No injuries were reported, but the footage shows just how bold Chicago’s criminals have become.
It happened at 12:20 p.m. last Friday, April 1, on the 1000 Block of North State — right next to the Mariano Park, a small three-sided public space surrounded by pricey bars and restaurants favored by an older clientele. Some folks call it the “Viagra Triangle.”
Cops were patrolling the area when they spotted the stolen Jeep heading south on State Street. The SUV popped a U-turn and quickly got boxed in by the police car, a CTA bus, and other vehicles that were in traffic.
Video, posted Friday to Twitter by the Chicago Critter account, shows what happened next:
At least one officer pulled out their service weapon during the incident, but no shots were fired, according to a CPD report.
Here’s another angle:
The driver escaped by plowing through a Nissan belonging to an advertising company and a Ford Fusion driven by its owner, who lives in Columbus, Ohio. They then swiped a CPD patrol car that was stopped in the intersection ahead of them, according to police records.
After breaking free, the Jeep headed north to Division Street, east to Inner Lake Shore Drive, north on the Inner Drive to North Avenue, and then north on the Outer Drive. Police did not pursue the vehicle, and no arrests have been announced.
According to Chicago police records, the Jeep belongs to a woman from Richton Park. It was stolen in the South Loop early on March 22.
A police report reviewed by CWB Chicago did not list a description of the driver.
