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Chicago, IL (July 14, 2026) – Four people were hurt after a stolen SUV struck several vehicles during an attempted getaway on Tuesday night, July 14, in the 6800 block of N Clark St.
The chain-reaction crash happened at about 11:22 p.m. The police said four male suspects broke into a car repair shop and stole a red SUV after damaging a garage door. While fleeing, the stolen vehicle hit a gray SUV, a black SUV, and two parked vehicles.
A woman driving the black SUV was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital in good condition. Two women and one man, who were passengers, were taken to St. Francis Hospital, where they were also reported to be in good condition. The driver of the gray SUV declined medical evaluation. One suspect was taken into custody, while the remaining three left the area before they could be apprehended. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains active.
We are thinking of those who were hurt and wish them a full recovery.
Why Secondary Crashes Happen During Police Pursuits or Getaway Attempts
Crashes involving fleeing vehicles can affect several motorists within a short period of time, especially in busy urban areas. Drivers attempting to escape at high speeds or while making sudden maneuvers may have less time to react to surrounding traffic, increasing the likelihood of multiple vehicles becoming involved.
Chain-reaction crashes occur when one vehicle strikes another, causing additional impacts with nearby traffic or parked vehicles. The amount of damage and the number of people affected can vary depending on traffic conditions, speed, and roadway design.
Defensive driving remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of injury during unexpected roadway emergencies. Maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert to unusual traffic behavior can provide drivers with more time to react when hazardous situations develop.
