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
Driver who mowed down blue city officer, yelled ‘F--- these cops,’ sparks outrage over light sentence

Outrage Erupts as Driver Who Struck Officer and Shouted Anti-Police Slurs Receives Lenient Sentence

A woman who deliberately drove her car into a NYPD officer after…
Grandfather allegedly 'boiled alive' after 136-degree shower scalds skin at California hotel

California Hotel Tragedy: Grandfather Fatally Scalded in 136-Degree Shower Incident

A tragic incident has occurred involving a Marine veteran and grandfather who…
5 more arrested in connection with Louvre heist, jewels worth $102M still missing

Five More Arrested in Ongoing Louvre Heist Investigation: Search Continues for $102M in Stolen Jewels

In a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the audacious daytime robbery…
Arrest made in deadly stabbing at Jacksonville Anheuser-Busch facility, JSO says

Police Arrest Suspect in Fatal Stabbing at Jacksonville Anheuser-Busch Plant

Authorities have charged Jason Guthrie, 38, with second-degree murder following a fatal…
Influencer Eugenia Cooney spotted as Disney World amid growing health concerns

Eugenia Cooney Visits Disney World Amid Ongoing Health Discussions

Concerns about Eugenia Cooney were temporarily suspended Thursday when the notoriously skinny…
Report details Adam Beckerink's behavior during court-ordered drug test, accused of murdering Caitlin Tracey at South Loop condo

Explosive Courtroom Drama: Adam Beckerink’s Shocking Actions During Drug Test Amid Caitlin Tracey Murder Case

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago law enforcement has issued an arrest warrant for…
Illinois State teaching assistant toppled TPUSA table

TPUSA Activist Arrested for Ignoring FBI Warnings on Violent Trump Threats: Affidavit Reveals Alarming Social Media Posts

This article is part of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, “Campus Radicals,”…
Ruben Torres Maldonado, detained by federal immigration agents in Niles while daughter has cancer, released

Ruben Torres Maldonado, Father of Cancer-Stricken Daughter, Freed from Immigration Custody in Niles

A father, recently taken into custody by federal immigration agents while his…
DHS to impose $1K fee for migrants granted humanitarian parole

Revolutionary DHS Rule: Facial Recognition Now Mandatory for All Foreign Travelers at U.S. Ports

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced updated guidelines mandating that…
Daylight saving time 2025: Get ready to 'fall back' soon

Prepare to ‘Fall Back’: Key Dates for 2025 Daylight Saving Time Adjustment

As the calendar inches toward November, it’s time to prepare for the…
Feds arrest dozens of illegal aliens in sweeping New Jersey workplace raid

Federal Authorities Conduct Major New Jersey Workplace Raid, Detaining Numerous Undocumented Individuals

Federal officials announced on Thursday that a significant operation by the Department…
YES on Proposals 2-4 for social housing

Voters Approve Proposals 2-4, Paving the Way for Enhanced Social Housing Initiatives

New York City stands on the brink of a landmark election, marked…