CHICAGO (WLS) – Six outdoor diners were injured Friday night when a car jumped a sidewalk and crashed into a nearby North Side restaurant, Chicago fire officials said.
“It’s shocking, but I’m very pleased with how everyone handled the situation to the best of their ability,” said Jeffrey Magee, assistant general manager of ApproR.
Customer service ranked second at Apror this Saturday night, as Maggie said she wanted to make sure her employees were well taken care of.
“We brought in a grievance consultant to talk to our employees,” Magee added. “I want our employees to feel that this place is their home. That is our mantra, as in many places. We are a family. But we really act like a family.”
According to Chicago police, it happened around 10:30 pm when the driver of a silver Lexus sedan attempted to pass a southbound Toyota Prius in the 1200 block of North Wells Street.
The Lexus struck the Toyota, lost control, skipped the curb, landed on the sidewalk and crashed into the restaurant, CPD said.
Video from the scene shows the vehicle crashing into Abrore’s outside patio and front door.
Four customers and two employees were taken to the hospital on stretchers.
Police said two women suffered broken legs when the mall’s front door broke.
“We saw all of our employees run out, do what they had to do, get someone, help someone out on the ground,” Magee said.
Everyone is expected to be well.
The driver of the car fled the scene, the fire department said.
“I immediately got in my car and chased after them! They ran through the park. I drove through the park,” a witness said.
While an open sign stands in front of the building next door, the owners say they are raising funds to support those affected physically and emotionally.
“Knowing that this place is loved and that our staff is loved, that our staff is loved and that everyone cares so much. It’s not healing wounds, but it’s definitely healing mental health a little bit,” Magee said.
In just one day, the fundraiser has already exceeded $23,000.
While searching for the suspect, the driver of the Prius was not injured, police said.
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