Woman fatally struck by SUV speeding from Englewood traffic stop

CHICAGO - A 43-year-old woman was struck and killed by a driver who sped away from a traffic stop Monday in Englewood on the South Side, according to Chicago police.

Police arrested two suspects, one of whom was armed, in connection to the crash that happened shortly before noon at 74th Street and Racine Avenue.

Police on Monday said two males in an SUV allegedly bolted from a traffic stop two blocks north. The SUV went through a red light and struck a Jeep in the intersection, lost control and then hit the pedestrian, police said.

The pedestrian, identified as Lakisel Thomas of Englewood, died later at a hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. An autopsy ruled her death an accident.

Police and fire officials initially said the victim was 18 years old.

Police also initially said the Civilian Office of Police Accountability was investigating the crash, but on Tuesday said COPA was not involved. It wasn’t clear if officers were actively pursuing the SUV when it crashed.

Three adults in the Jeep had minor injuries and went to St. Bernard Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital, police said.

The 20-year-old driver and a passenger of the SUV, both males, were arrested after running from the crash, police said.

No charges have been filed.