Off-duty Chicago police officer charged with DUI in deadly River North crash
CHICAGO - A Chicago police officer is facing charges after fatally hitting a pedestrian with her car in River North while off duty last month.
At around 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 7, 40-year-old Tangie Brown was allegedly driving a white SUV when she lost control of the vehicle, jumped a curb and struck a 56-year-old woman on the sidewalk in the 300 block of North State Street.
The victim — later identifed as Maria Schwab — suffered trauma to the body and was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Brown was relieved of her police powers the same day. She turned herself in to the Major Accident Investigation Unit on Monday, Jan. 29.
The Cook County State’s Attorney has since approved one felony charge of Aggravated DUI/Accident/Death, one felony charge of Aggravated Use of Communication Device/Death, two misdemeanor charges of Failure to Give Info/Render Aid/Injury and one misdemeanor charge of Reckless Driving. She was also cited for Failure to Reduce Speed and Improper Traffic Lane Usage.
Schwab's family says they're relieved to learn of the charges, but still have a lot of questions. An attorney representing the family says he'll soon be filing a wrongful death lawsuit against any and all River North bars that served Brown alcohol the night of the incident.
Schwab — a beloved wife and mother who was affectionately known as Toni — was a 30-year educator and Texas native in Chicago on a work trip when she was struck by Brown's vehicle.
"It came out today in court (that Brown) was at a bar in River North, Treehouse. They are responsible for the reckless conduct," said attorney Tim Cavanagh.
Although Brown was off duty at the time, reports indicate a CPD holiday party was happening near the House of Blues where the crash occurred. It's unknown if Brown attended the event.
Initially, Brown said she dropped her cellphone while inside her Infinity SUV and went to retrieve it. Eventually, her vehicle jumped the curb, crashing into
Schwab and her co-worker.
Brown started as a police officer in 2008 and was assigned to District 18, Near North. She is due back in court Feb 20.
Cavanagh released the following statement on behalf of Schwab's family.
"We will be filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of Maria Schwab. against Tangie Brown and any others who have culpability in Maria's horrific death. Not only are we seeking justice for the family but also accountability. Brown was way over the legal limit when she struck and killed Maria. We are investigating whether she was over-served by bars and restaurants in River North," said Tim Cavanagh, founding partner of Cavanagh Law Group.
"This has been a devastating loss for the family. They are relieved criminal charges have been filed but they have many unanswered questions. They cannot understand how a police officer who was supposed to serve and protect the public could drive in that severely intoxicated state and not even get out of her car to try to help Maria after she hit her."