Months after a late-night South Side crash near Chicago Police Headquarters left two people dead, a 19-year-old Chicago man has been arrested and charged in connection with the October 2024 wreck. Authorities say the case involves homicide counts and aggravated driving under the influence tied to the collision, which now moves from a long-running investigation into the courtroom.
Arrest and charges
Chicago police arrested Erick Garcia-Ambriz, 19, on Tuesday in the 5000 block of South Kildare. He faces multiple counts, including reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence causing death, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Police told reporters Garcia-Ambriz is due in court Wednesday for a detention hearing as prosecutors decide how to proceed.
What happened in 2024
Around 1:40 a.m. on Oct. 14, 2024, an Infiniti allegedly ran a red light and T-boned a Chevrolet in the 3500 block of South Michigan Avenue, flipping the smaller car near Chicago Police Headquarters, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The two people in the Chevrolet were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where they later died, the outlet reported. The Major Accidents Unit handled the investigation at the scene.
Potential penalties under state law
Under Illinois law, reckless homicide is generally classified as a Class 3 felony, with the possibility of elevation in certain circumstances. Aggravated driving under the influence that results in death is addressed in the Illinois Vehicle Code with enhanced sentencing provisions. The exact charge level and potential sentence in this case will turn on prosecutorial decisions and the facts established in court, including whether multiple deaths or other aggravating factors are applied. Statutory language is detailed in the vehicle code from the Illinois General Assembly and in related criminal-code summaries on FindLaw.
What's next
Garcia-Ambriz is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for a detention hearing, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Officials have not released additional information about his criminal history or whether prosecutors will pursue any sentencing enhancements. As the case moves through the pretrial phase, court filings and any statements from the Cook County State's Attorney are expected to clarify the precise charges and potential exposure he faces.
