A Chicago man was arrested Tuesday to face charges stemming from an October 2024 police pursuit that killed his 18-year-old passenger, though it remains unclear why it took roughly 18 months for prosecutors to bring the case.
Christian Rios, 24, is charged with reckless homicide by motor vehicle and aggravated possession of a weapon in connection with the October 1, 2024, crash.
On the day of the crash, CPD said officers from the Priority Response Team were on patrol in the area of the 5500 block of South Pulaski, focusing on a string of robberies in the area, when they saw two people they believed to be armed getting into a black Lexus sedan around 1:58 a.m. When officers moved to investigate, the sedan sped away, and a pursuit ensued.
The chase ended at the 3500 block of South Ashland when the sedan entered an intersection, collided with an SUV, and crashed into a building.
Christian Rios (Chicago Police Department)
The passenger of the sedan was ejected in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The sedan’s driver sustained a leg injury and was transported to Stroger Hospital in stable condition. Two weapons were recovered from the scene, police said.
The driver of the SUV suffered minor injuries and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center. No officers were injured.
Police have not explained why charges were not filed in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
Original reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click here to support our work.