Chicago, IL – A violent smash-and-grab burglary at a Louis Vuitton store in the Gold Coast early Thursday morning escalated into a multi-vehicle crash on Michigan Avenue, killing an innocent bystander during the morning commute, according to Chicago police.
Smash-and-Grab Burglary
Around 5 a.m., suspects used a pickup truck to smash through the entrance of the Louis Vuitton store in the 100 block of East Walton Street.
Witness video captured at least nine suspects running in and out of the store, grabbing merchandise as shattered glass covered the sidewalk.
The group fled the scene in multiple vehicles, leaving the pickup truck behind.
Deadly Crash on Michigan Avenue
One of the getaway cars, a Kia Stinger, sped southbound on Michigan Avenue before colliding with a Honda CRV at the Ohio Street intersection.
- The Honda driver, a man in his 40s, was not connected to the burglary. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
- Five suspects inside the Kia were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and taken into custody.
Photos from the scene show two wrecked vehicles, with one flipped onto its side. As per NBC Chicago, police shut down Michigan Avenue between Ontario and Illinois for several hours.
Second Getaway Vehicle
Another getaway car, an Infinity Q50, fled southbound on Lake Shore Drive before losing control. Four suspects ran from the vehicle, and officers later apprehended two of them.
Police said stolen merchandise was recovered from both the Kia and the Infinity.
Investigation Ongoing
As of 11 a.m. Thursday, police confirmed the investigation remains active.
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