Woman killed, 2 others critically hurt in crash in Chicago's South Loop
CHICAGO (CBS) — The search is on for the tow truck driver who hit and killed a woman in Chicago's South Loop early Saturday morning.
A GoFundMe from the family identified the woman who was killed as Giselle Chavez. Two other people, including the woman's sister, Alexandra Chavez, were also critically injured in the crash that happened around 2:14 a.m. in the 100 block of West Roosevelt Road, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Friends of the victim at the crash site Saturday morning said the crash was no accident.
They said they had all been together Friday night as part of a truck club, driving around the city for about 30 minutes before stopping nearby to eat. But, they say, the sisters and a boyfriend left early in one car, and others from their group left in a second vehicle.
That's when they say someone in an unlicensed red or burgundy tow truck started harassing them around Roosevelt and Union, intentionally running into their cars while they were on the road.
They say the friends sped up to get away. During the chaos, the sisters' vehicle lost control, careened across the street, and slammed into a wall, bringing down a light pole.
Chicago police say the tow truck driver backed into an SUV, causing it to strike the victims' vehicle, which then lost control and struck a wall. The three victims inside were ejected from the vehicle.
Friends of the victims also say the police have video of the incident, which they are using to try to find the driver.
All were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
A 21-year-old woman suffered a head injury and was hospitalized in critical condition but died a short time later.
Her 20-year-old sister and a 19-year-old boyfriend also suffered head injuries and were in critical condition.
"It's devastating," said neighbor Matthew Bryja. "It is a very busy road. People drive fast. Especially along here."
The SUV driver remained on the scene and was cooperating with police. The unknown tow truck driver fled the scene.
The Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating.