Community calls for charges after 9-year-old Anakin Perez hit, killed by car outside McNair Elementary School on Walton Street
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Dozens surround a grieving family and their calls for justice Friday after Chicago police released the driver who hit and killed a 9-year-old boy without charges.

New video showed when it happened, seconds after he left out for school Thursday on the city’s West Side.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The incident took place at about 7:41 a.m. Thursday near Ronald E. McNair Elementary School in the 4800 block of West Walton Street, Chicago police said.

A family’s plea in traffic resonated Friday in front of McNair Elementary School, where one of its students, 9-year-old Anakin Perez, left home for school but never made it to class.

“It’s only going to grow bigger, because Anakin was bigger than just a few tickets,” aunt Anna Perez said.

“To have his life ended so tragically, it’s a pain unimaginable,” mother Alejandra Gallegos said.

Home security video showed the boy leaving the house Thursday morning, and as he heads out into the middle of Walton Street, a gray-colored car was already in movement. Then came the deadly impact.

“So you mean to tell me you didn’t have three seconds to stop your car immediately?” Gallegos said. “You didn’t feel the hit? You didn’t feel you dragging his body 72 feet down the street?”

Initially, the driver was taken into custody with charges pending, according to Chicago police. But later, police confirmed to ABC7 the woman was ticketed but not criminally charged.

“They called it an accidental death,” Gallegos said. “Any person with common sense coming down the street is going to look both ways especially in a school zone where there’s kids.”

Balloons and heartfelt messages now decorate the spot where Anakin was hit, right in front of his family’s home that he never returned to.

“He would never leave my side, but my son was taken from me,” Gallegos said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Anakin’s family.

McNair Elementary’s principal said grief counselors were at the school for students and staff.

Chicago police said they’re still investigating the crash.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Madelyn Cline makes out with Prince Constantine-Alexios — again — in steamy new snap

Madelyn Cline and Prince Constantine-Alexios Share Another Passionate Photo

Madelyn Cline can’t keep her lips off Prince Constantine-Alexios of Greece and…
Ex-NFL star is seen with blood pouring down his face in police footage

Former NFL Player Captured on Police Video with Blood Streaming Down His Face

In newly released footage from his hit-and-run arrest in South Carolina, former…
FBI agent reveals how informant-turned-serial killer preyed on victims

Former FBI Agent Shares Insights on Informant Who Became a Serial Killer and Targeted Victims

A retired FBI agent has disclosed how a serial killer, also acting…
Simpsons movie confirmed... but fans fear the worst

The Simpsons Movie Confirmed, But Fans Are Worried

A new Simpsons movie has officially been confirmed – igniting both excitement…
Trump announces peace plan: President hails 'one of the greatest days'

Trump Unveils Peace Plan, Celebrates ‘One of the Greatest Days’

Donald Trump dramatically announced that he would rule Gaza with Sir Tony Blair…
A list of notable shooting attacks on houses of worship in the US in the past 20 years

An Overview of Significant Attacks on Places of Worship in the US Over the Past 20 Years

A gunman opened fire inside a Michigan church during Sunday services, inflicting…
Feds feel 'subtle' change about agents' presence in Chicago

Federal Agents Perceive ‘Subtle’ Shift in Chicago Presence

CHICAGO () The increase in federal immigration agents and officers patrolling Chicago…
Man arrested after shooting woman at hotel

Police Detain Man Suspected of Shooting a Woman at a Hotel

Police say Winthrop Deforest is charged with attempted murder in the second…