East Chicago, IN – A pedestrian remains in critical condition following a high-speed crash and hit-and-run early Sunday, May 10, near a busy intersection in East Chicago.
According to the East Chicago Police Department, officers were patrolling near Ralo’s Cocktail Lounge around 2:53 a.m. when they observed a large crowd gathered near the intersection of 140th Street and Alder Street.
Police say a vehicle traveling westbound at a high rate of speed ignored a stop sign at the intersection and crashed into another vehicle that was lawfully crossing. The impact then sent the offending vehicle into a pedestrian who was standing in the street.
Following the crash, the driver allegedly fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The pedestrian was initially transported to St. Catherine Hospital before being transferred to a Chicago-area hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Authorities say both the Traffic Division and Criminal Investigation Division are actively investigating the incident.
Police also noted ongoing concerns tied to the area surrounding Ralo’s Cocktail Lounge. Officials report repeated calls for service, disturbances, and nuisance activity at the location. The property owner and management have been directed to attend a meeting with city officials on Monday, May 18, to address safety concerns.
So far in 2026, police have responded to 23 calls for service at the location, compared to 65 calls in 2025.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact East Chicago police.
