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A Chicago Transit Authority security guard went to the hospital early Wednesday morning after a hit-and-run driver slammed into his vehicle in the Loop.
The two-vehicle collision occurred at 3:31 a.m. at a heavily traveled downtown intersection.
A 33-year-old male security guard drove a white Ford SUV northbound on State Street approaching Ida B. Wells Drive.
Available traffic camera video confirms the Ford SUV belonged to the Chicago Transit Authority K-9 security division.
At the same time, a Cadillac SUV traveled westbound on Ida B. Wells Drive at a high rate of speed.
The driver of the Cadillac bypassed a red traffic light at the intersection.
The speeding Cadillac then struck the Chicago Transit Authority vehicle directly.
Following the initial impact, the Cadillac veered out of the roadway.
The luxury SUV ended up inside a large public planter box running alongside the Harold Washington Library.
Immediately after the collision, the driver of the Cadillac exited the wrecked vehicle and ran away from the scene.
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Emergency medical personnel responded to the downtown intersection within minutes of the crash.
First responders treated the 33-year-old transit worker at the scene for physical trauma.
Ambulances transported the injured security guard to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for further observation.
Chicago Police officials confirmed the guard arrived at the hospital in fair condition.
Authorities have not confirmed whether a security dog occupied the transit vehicle during the crash.
Police reports do not indicate if any animals sustained injuries during the collision.
The intersection remains a vital corridor for both early morning commuters and commercial transit vehicles connecting the South Loop to the main business district.
Local residents frequently voice concerns regarding late-night drag racing and red-light violations along Ida B. Wells Drive.
The Chicago Police Department routinely advises drivers to remain alert at major downtown intersections during overnight hours when speeding increases.
Area Central detectives took control of the active traffic investigation.
Officers blocked off portions of State Street for several hours to collect evidence and remove the heavily damaged vehicles.
City workers arrived later in the morning to assess the damage caused to the library infrastructure and landscaping.
Investigators are currently reviewing city managed surveillance cameras and transit security footage to identify the registered owner of the abandoned Cadillac.
No suspects are in custody at this time.
The Chicago Police Department requests anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the fleeing driver to contact traffic detectives immediately.
