A Desperate Chase Ends in Tragedy (Image Credits: Cwbchicago.com)
Chicago’s Austin neighborhood – An Uber Eats driver lost his life early Monday when carjackers stole his minivan outside Loretto Hospital and dragged him to his death as he tried to stop them.[1][2]
A Desperate Chase Ends in Tragedy
Daniel Figueroa, a 28-year-old father who worked as an Uber Eats driver, pulled up to the hospital entrance around 2 a.m. to deliver an order.[1] He left his light blue Dodge Caravan running unattended while he stepped inside. Moments later, Montoya Perry jumped into the driver’s seat with two unidentified accomplices.[1]
Figueroa emerged to find his vehicle pulling away. He sprinted after it and grabbed the passenger door handle. Perry accelerated, causing him to fall under the rear passenger tire. The impact delivered a fatal head injury, and he died at the scene.[1] Hospital surveillance cameras captured the entire sequence, along with additional footage from nearby sources.
Suspect’s Extensive Rap Sheet Emerges
Authorities identified Perry, who sported a brown jacket and pink pants matching the video evidence. She boasted a long criminal record that included convictions for forgery, unlawful gun possession, robbery, burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and escape.[1] Police noted her pattern of providing her sister’s name during stops.
Just two weeks prior, Melrose Park officers arrested her for driving on a suspended license, fleeing, and obstructing by false identification. Detectives tracked the stolen van across Chicago and suburbs before locating it parked in Maywood around 11:30 a.m. Perry returned to the vehicle, climbed into the driver’s seat, and faced immediate arrest.
During questioning, she admitted taking the van from the hospital and spotting Figueroa chasing it before she sped away.[1]
Brazen Social Media Taunt Shocks Community
Soon after reaching safety, Perry turned to Facebook with a post that drew widespread outrage. “The [expletive] we had to do to get home is crazy,” she wrote. “but we made it ** if u missing a car, u can come get it! We don’t want it!!”[1]
The message appeared to mock the owner of the stolen vehicle, unaware – or indifferent to – the deadly consequences. Figueroa’s mother later spoke publicly about her son’s dedication as a provider who juggled multiple jobs.[3]
Swift Charges and Court Denial of Bond
Prosecutors charged Perry with first-degree murder in the course of a forcible felony and vehicular hijacking. At her detention hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara outlined the evidence from videos and her admissions. Judge James Murphy III approved the state’s request to hold her without bond.[1]
- Incident captured on multiple surveillance videos
- Van tracked via police investigation across city and suburbs
- Arrest occurred when Perry returned to the vehicle
- Two accomplices remain unidentified publicly
- Figueroa described as hardworking father supporting his family
The case highlights ongoing concerns about vehicle thefts escalating to violence in urban areas. For full details, see the original reporting at CWBChicago.com.[1]
Key Takeaways
- A routine delivery turned fatal when carjackers fled with Figueroa’s running van.
- Perry’s Facebook post brazenly offered the vehicle back post-crime.
- Strong evidence from video and confession led to murder charges and no bond.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by gig workers on late-night shifts. Communities now await justice for Daniel Figueroa while grappling with rising carjacking trends. What steps can cities take to protect delivery drivers? Share your thoughts in the comments.
