Chicago man faces attempted murder charge after lake street hit-and-run
A routine Thursday evening on West Lake Street turned violent when Leo Cowan, 57, allegedly struck a 44-year-old woman with his vehicle and fled, now facing an attempted murder charge. The incident, which occurred around 9:12 p.m. in Chicago’s South Austin neighborhood, has left the victim with serious injuries and ignited a swift investigation by local police.
The sequence of events: a fateful thursday night
According to police reports, Cowan was operating a vehicle on the 5200 block of West Lake Street when he collided with the woman. What initially appeared to be a tragic accident quickly escalated as Cowan reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. The speed with which he attempted to disappear only deepened the seriousness of the situation.
Remarkably, police apprehended Cowan within minutes of the incident. The swift response underscores the diligence of the Chicago Police Department, but also raises questions about Cowan’s motives and the circumstances leading to the collision. He now faces a felony count of attempted murder, alongside misdemeanor charges for driving an uninsured vehicle, causing bodily harm, and operating a vehicle with an expired license – a license that had lapsed over a year prior.
The victim's identity has not been released, but sources confirm she sustained significant injuries requiring immediate medical attention. The severity of her condition underscores the potential for devastating consequences in such incidents, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic laws. The 5200 block of West Lake Street was briefly closed as investigators processed the scene, causing disruption for local residents and businesses.
While the investigation is ongoing, the charges against Cowan signal a serious escalation in the legal proceedings. The attempted murder charge, in particular, indicates that authorities believe Cowan’s actions went beyond mere negligence. The case is sure to draw intense scrutiny and will likely be closely watched by the South Austin community, eager for answers and justice for the victim.