Arrest made in 2019 Maywood stolen car crash that killed woman
MAYWOOD, Ill. (CBS) – More than three years after a suburban police chase left an innocent woman dead, there is some justice for the victim's family.
As CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reported Thursday night, there has finally been an arrest in the crash that killed Ruthie Johnson in Maywood in 2019.
"I think she would be very proud. I actually see her smiling," said Johnson's sister, Paula Ali. "And I said this morning to her - I told her I wasn't going to stop. And I'm not going to stop."
Maywood police arrested Gabriel Ruiz, 21, of Chicago, and charged him with reckless homicide. He was identified as the driver of the stolen car that crashed and killed Johnson.
"So this morning, it was tears of joy - and tears of sorrow that she's no longer here - but they got someone," Ali said. "But someone's got to pay for it."
Johnson was simply in a car when the out-of-control chase came barreling toward her. She died instantly, but in the years since the accident, her sister has never stopped fighting to see an arrest in the case.
Dash camera video from a Maywood police officer's squad car from June of 2019 shows the high-speed chase which weaved through residential streets at speeds over 70 miles per hour.
The chase started with a minor traffic violation in which a stolen GMC made an illegal right turn in front of an office. But it ended in a violent crash that killed Johnson, a passenger in a different car.
The stolen GMC broadsided the car in which Johnson was riding.
In the days after the crash, Maywood police questioned two juveniles, but didn't have enough evidence to charge them. They were released.
"She was an innocent bystander," Ali said. "Ruthie didn't do anything wrong."
Several people ran from the car.
"I think everyone should be held accountable," Ali said. "But I'm glad they got the driver who was actually driving and crashed."
Since 2019, Ali has worked tirelessly for justice. She has held vigils and protests - and now with an arrest, she had made good the promise she made her sister.
"I told you I promised you that I was going to do this for you," Ali said, addressing her late sister.
Ruiz appeared in court on Thursday. His bond was set at $150,000 for the felony reckless homicide charges.
He'll be back in court next month.