By Crash News Writer 
Chicago, IL (September 19, 2025) – A tragic accident outside a West Side elementary school has claimed the life of 9-year-old Anakin Cesar Perez, who was struck and killed by a car Thursday morning in the Austin neighborhood.
According to the Illinois State Police, the crash occurred just after 7:40 a.m. in the 4800 block of West Walton Street, directly across from McNair Elementary School. Surveillance footage shows Anakin running from behind a gate between parked cars and into the street, where he was hit by a silver Chevrolet sedan. Witnesses say the vehicle dragged the child approximately half a block before coming to a stop.
Anakin was transported to Stroger Hospital of Cook County, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver initially fled but returned to the scene and was taken into custody. However, police confirmed Friday that the driver was released without charges. The investigation is ongoing.
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- The driver involved has been identified but not charged; investigators are continuing to review the circumstances.
- The school zone where the crash occurred reportedly lacked an active crossing guard, which has prompted community outrage and calls for safety reforms.
- CPS has confirmed that counseling services will be made available to McNair Elementary students and families.
If you need help navigating the aftermath of such a tragedy, explore our accident resources in Illinois to access guidance and support.
This story is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All information is subject to updates. Please review our disclaimer for more details.
If your family has lost someone in a crash, do not wait to take action. Speak with a compassionate Illinois personal injury lawyer today to begin the process of seeking justice.