Community calls for justice after 9-year-old Anakin Perez hit, killed by car outside McNair Elementary School on Walton Street
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Friday, a grieving family, supported by many, demanded justice after the release of a driver who fatally hit a 9-year-old boy, with no charges filed by Chicago police.

New video showed when it happened, seconds after he left out for school Thursday on the city’s West Side.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The tragic event occurred around 7:41 a.m. on Thursday near Ronald E. McNair Elementary School, located on the 4800 block of West Walton Street, according to Chicago police reports.

On Friday, the family’s cries echoed around McNair Elementary School for 9-year-old Anakin Perez, who set off for school that morning but never reached his destination.

“It’s only going to grow bigger, because Anakin was bigger than just a few tickets,” aunt Anna Perez said.

“To have his life ended so tragically, it’s a pain unimaginable,” mother Alejandra Gallegos said.

Home surveillance footage captured the boy leaving his home on Thursday morning. As he ventured into the center of Walton Street, a gray car, already in motion, struck him fatally.

“So you mean to tell me you didn’t have three seconds to stop your car immediately?” questioned Gallegos. “You didn’t feel when you hit him? You didn’t notice you were dragging his body 72 feet down the street?”

Initially, the driver was detained with impending charges, said Chicago police. However, the police later informed ABC7 that while the woman received a ticket, she faced no criminal charges.

“They called it an accidental death,” Gallegos said. “Any person with common sense coming down the street is going to look both ways especially in a school zone where there’s kids.”

Balloons and heartfelt messages now decorate the spot where Anakin was hit, right in front of his family’s home that he never returned to.

“He would never leave my side, but my son was taken from me,” Gallegos said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Anakin’s family.

McNair Elementary’s principal said grief counselors were at the school for students and staff.

Chicago police said they’re still investigating the crash.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Germany warns Russia could attack NATO by 2029 as intelligence threat assessments mount

Putin Pledges Triumph in Ukraine During New Year Speech as Trump Supports Peace Negotiations

In his New Year’s speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a stark…
Mamdani sworn in as NYC’s 112th mayor in midnight ceremony beneath City Hall

Mamdani Takes Oath as NYC’s 112th Mayor in Unique Midnight City Hall Ceremony

In an underground event held just after midnight on Wednesday, Zohran Mamdani…
Putin residence attack video slammed; US officials say Ukraine did not target leader

Controversial Kremlin Attack Video Debunked: US Officials Confirm Ukraine Not Involved in Putin Residence Incident

In a bid to substantiate its claims, Russia’s Defense Ministry unveiled night-vision…
President Donald Trump announces National Guard to be removed from Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland

President Trump Orders Withdrawal of National Guard from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland

President Donald Trump has decided to temporarily halt his initiative to send…
Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor at historic subway station

Zohran Mamdani Makes History as NYC Mayor with Landmark Swearing-In at Iconic Subway Station

NEW YORK — In a historic moment for New York City, Zohran…
Protecting NYC tax dollars using whistleblowers

NYC Boosts Fiscal Integrity: Whistleblowers Key in Safeguarding Taxpayer Dollars

In order to advance its affordability goals, the incoming Mamdani administration should…
Mamdani sworn in as NYC’s 112th mayor in midnight ceremony beneath City Hall

Historic Midnight Ceremony: Mamdani Becomes New York City’s 112th Mayor

In a unique and underground setting just after midnight on Wednesday, Zohran…
Texas woman tries to flee to Mexico across Rio Grande with infant after human smuggling bust, authorities say

Texas Woman Arrested Attempting Rio Grande Escape to Mexico with Infant Following Human Smuggling Bust

A dramatic incident unfolded near the Texas-Mexico border when a woman attempted…
'See you in court': Muslim civil rights group responds to terrorist designation by Florida governor

Florida Sets New Record, Leading Nation in 2025 Executions: An In-Depth Analysis

Florida has emerged as the state with the highest number of executions…
Deported illegal immigrant caught by GPS tracker pleads guilty to robbing 7 convenience stores in California

GPS Tracker Unmasks Deported Immigrant’s California Crime Spree: Guilty Plea for 7 Robberies

An illegal immigrant who had previously been deported confessed in court on…
Construction on ‘Arc de Trump’ to begin within 2 months, president says

President Announces Construction of ‘Arc de Trump’ Set to Commence Within Two Months

President Donald Trump announced plans to initiate the construction of a “Triumphal…
What are federal child care funds? What to know amid planned funding freeze

Understanding Federal Child Care Funds: Key Insights as Funding Freeze Looms

The Trump administration has announced a nationwide suspension of child care funding…