A Chicago driver is facing serious charges after police say he plowed into a woman with his car Thursday night in South Austin, then tried to run. Officers say they caught up with him within minutes, while the 44-year-old victim was rushed to the hospital in serious condition.
What police say
Chicago police identified the driver as 57-year-old Leo Cowan and said the crash happened around 9:12 p.m. Thursday in the 5200 block of West Lake Street. According to CBS Chicago, Cowan was charged with one felony count of attempted murder, along with misdemeanor counts that include driving an uninsured vehicle and operating on a license that had been expired for more than a year.
Injuries and response
FOX 32 Chicago reported that the woman suffered head and leg injuries and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital. Officers said Cowan was treated for minor injuries at Norwegian American Hospital. Police told the station they found him within minutes after he fled on foot and took him into custody at the scene.
Charges and court date
Per CBS Chicago, Cowan was due in court Sunday. The case remains pending as investigators and prosecutors review the arrest and charges.
Neighborhood safety
The crash unfolded on a busy stretch of Lake Street and arrives as the city continues its push to cut down on traffic deaths and serious injuries. The Chicago Department of Transportation has been highlighting recent progress in its crash reporting; the agency posts updates on its official Chicago Department of Transportation page.
