Authorities said a Tinley Park man being pursued by police after a car crash Monday died after he crashed his vehicle a second time in River North.
Damond M. Smith, 26, died from injuries suffered in the crash, which occurred at about 2:30 a.m. Monday in the 700 block of North LaSalle Boulevard, police and fire officials told local media outlets. Smith’s passenger, who was not identified by authorities, and a Chicago police officer also reportedly sustained injuries.
At about 1:45 a.m. Monday, Smith was involved in a crash with another vehicle near Ohio and Wells streets. When the other driver, whom police did not name publicly, got out of her vehicle, Smith allegedly told her he had a gun and fled the scene.
Police said they later located Smith’s Lexus and began a pursuit. However, they later were forced to call off the chase.
Shortly thereafter, authorities said they were called to North LaSalle Boulevard, where Smith apparently had crashed his vehicle into a utility pole and fire hydrant. Smith and his female passenger were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, fire officials told local media outlets.
Smith was pronounced dead at the hospital, authorities said. His passenger reportedly is listed in good condition.
Authorities said the officer who was hospitalized following the incident was not involved in the crash, but suffered a minor injury at the scene.
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