Two Chicago police officers and a driver were injured in a South Side crash after an SUV ran a red light; all are in good condition.
Two Chicago police officers and a civilian driver were injured in a South Side crash early Wednesday morning, August 19, 2026. The incident occurred in the West Pullman neighborhood when a driver ran a red light and collided with a marked squad car.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the crash happened around 3:14 AM in the 11900 block of South State Street. A 37‑year‑old woman driving an SUV northbound disregarded a traffic signal and struck the squad car.
The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles and required emergency response teams to transport those involved to nearby hospitals.
- Two Chicago police officers were taken to local hospitals. Both were listed in good condition following the crash.
- The SUV driver sustained minor injuries and was also hospitalized in good condition.
Authorities confirmed that charges and citations are pending against the SUV driver for failing to obey the traffic signal. The Chicago Police Department is reviewing traffic camera footage and witness statements to finalize the investigation.
Traffic crashes involving squad cars are not uncommon in Chicago, particularly during late‑night hours when reckless or impaired driving is more prevalent.
The West Pullman neighborhood has seen multiple traffic incidents in recent years, raising community concerns about roadway safety.
This latest crash underscores the risks officers face even during routine patrols. While the officers are expected to recover, the incident highlights the vulnerability of law enforcement personnel when performing everyday duties.
The injuries sustained by the officers and the driver serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving. The pending charges against the SUV driver reflect CPD’s continued effort to enforce accountability in traffic safety cases.
Fortunately, all parties involved are expected to recover, but the crash adds to the growing list of incidents where Chicago police officers have been injured while serving the city.