A crash between an SUV and a Chicago Police Department squad car on the West Side sent two officers and three other people to area hospitals on Sunday, police said. The collision unfolded in the West Garfield Park neighborhood, where officers arrested the SUV driver at the scene. Officials said the officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while the other vehicle occupants were treated for minor wounds. Harrison-area detectives have opened an investigation into the collision.
What happened
According to CBS Chicago, the crash occurred near the intersection of Washington and Hamlin boulevards in the 3800 block of West Washington Boulevard, when a gray SUV allegedly failed to yield to a marked squad car that was responding with lights and sirens. Police identified the driver as a 42-year-old man who was taken into custody at the scene. Two officers were transported to an area hospital in good condition, while the SUV's driver and three male passengers were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital with minor injuries.
West Side crash pattern
A tow truck struck a CPD unit in a similar West Garfield Park collision last November, sending officers to the hospital. Those earlier incidents have drawn attention to the risks officers face during emergency responses at busy intersections.
Investigation and next steps
Chicago police told reporters that Harrison detectives are investigating and that charges and traffic tickets were pending against the driver, per CBS Chicago. Detectives have asked anyone with video or information about the crash to contact them as the probe continues.
