Chicago, IL – Two young children were taken to the hospital early Thursday after the SUV they were riding in crashed and rolled over while their father allegedly fled from deputies during a police pursuit that began in northwest Indiana.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, an officer attempted to stop a Toyota SUV shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, on northbound I-65 near 61st Street. Authorities said the driver refused to stop and fled westbound on Interstate 80/94 into Illinois.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the pursuit ended near West 115th Street and South Longwood Drive in Chicago, where the SUV allegedly struck a parked vehicle before overturning onto its side.
Authorities identified the driver as a 30-year-old man, who reported no injuries but was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Investigators said he was found to have several active warrants from Lake County, Indiana; Michigan City, Indiana; Cook County, Illinois; and Michigan, including alleged offenses involving a weapons charge, robbery, fraud and counterfeiting.
A 26-year-old woman, identified as the children’s mother, complained of chest pain and was transported to a hospital. The couple’s 3-year-old child suffered ear abrasions and was expected to be released, while their 3-month-old infant was admitted for further medical evaluation.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Department said the Indiana Department of Child Services has been contacted. The Chicago Police Department is investigating the crash involving the parked vehicle.
Authorities said no Lake County deputies were injured, no patrol vehicles were damaged, and criminal charges against the driver are pending.
