Patch recently reported about a heart-wrenching incident, an off-duty Chicago police officer, Tangie Brown, is charged with aggravated DUI following a fatal crash in River North. The collision claimed the life of Maria Schwab, 56, visiting from Texas, and left a co-worker injured. Brown, a veteran officer, is accused of driving onto the curb, pinning Schwab against a fence, and fatally injuring her.

Fatal Crash in River North Claims Texas Woman’s Life: Chicago Cop Charged With DUI (Photo: Chicago Sun Times)

Crash in River North Resulted to A Pair of Felony Charges

Prosecutors have approved felony charges, including aggravated DUI and aggravated use of a communication device, against Brown for the December 7 tragedy. Misdemeanor charges, including reckless driving and failure to render aid, amplify the legal repercussions. Brown’s claim of being distracted by a dropped phone is detailed in police reports.

Brown, a member of the department since 2008, allegedly consumed three drinks at a work holiday party before the incident. Her SUV struck Schwab and another woman, with Brown failing to render aid. Despite producing a blood sample indicating a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, she did not undergo a breathalyzer at the scene.

The crash in River North led to the resignation of a police supervisor, and questions arise about Brown being over-served at River North bars. Schwab’s family in Texas plans to file a civil lawsuit, seeking answers about the officer’s actions in a severely intoxicated state.

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Legal Ramifications and Family’s Grief

Brown’s placement on desk duty post-crash raises concerns about accountability within the police department. The absence of a breathalyzer raises questions, prompting a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Attorneys for Schwab’s family express relief at criminal charges but emphasize lingering questions about a public servant driving in a severely intoxicated state. The family plans to pursue justice through a civil lawsuit, seeking accountability for Maria Schwab’s tragic death.

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