Stolen Kia Crashes into Chicago Cafe During Police Chase; Four Arrested on Cicero Avenue

Security footage captured the dramatic moment when a vehicle crashed into a café on Chicago’s Northwest Side early Thursday morning.

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The incident occurred at the City News Cafe, located near the intersection of Cicero Avenue and Irving Park Road, around 4:30 a.m. during a police chase.

According to the Chicago Police Department, officers noticed a black Kia running a red light. The vehicle also matched the description of a car reported stolen.

Attempts by the police to stop the car led to the driver speeding off, eventually losing control and crashing into the café. Several individuals inside the car attempted to flee the scene.

Authorities apprehended four individuals: a 17-year-old male, a 22-year-old male, a 23-year-old female, and a 26-year-old male.

Police said they all had minor injuries.

Three firearms were found in the Kia, police said.

“This is the first time that I’ve ever seen in any devastation like this and it’s sickening,” employee Darrell Hackler said. “They slid out and hit our storefront. They hit it sideways. So it’s nuts.”

Longtime cafe regulars arrived to get their morning coffee and were shocked to find out what happened.

“It’s very disheartening these things happening repeatedly,” Joseph Wolff said. “It’s repairable but it’s gonna be several days; they have to get boarded up and get new glass. It’s just real upsetting because it’s a very nice cafe.”

Forty-fifth Ward Alderman James Gardiner said he’s going to do everything in his power to make sure the cafe reopens.

“This is going to be a heavy cost to our local business, City News,” Gardiner said. “I encourage everyone in the community if they have an opportunity to come by and support.”

Crews spent Thursday morning boarding up the storefront.

“Some of our chairs are broken. Tables are messed up, but none of it, it’s all superficial. Nobody is hurt; everybody is OK. So we’re gonna come right back,” Hackler said.

ABC7 Chicago blurred the faces of those involved because it was not immediately known if they would face charges.

Chicago police said charges were pending.

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