City News Cafe, a cherished spot in Portage Park, was briefly closed after a vehicle crashed into its facade during a police chase. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. at the cafe located at 4018 N. Cicero Ave. Owner Joe Angelastri stated that an employee discovered the damage upon arrival at approximately 6:15 a.m.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, officers were patrolling the area when they noticed a black Kia running red lights. This vehicle matched the description of a reported stolen car. When officers activated their sirens, the driver attempted to evade capture but lost control and crashed into the cafe.
- Time of Incident: 4:30 a.m.
- Location: 4018 N. Cicero Ave.
- Initial Discovery: 6:15 a.m.
Two occupants were arrested on-site, while two others fled but were apprehended shortly after. All four individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Police also reported recovering three firearms from the vehicle.
Impact on City News Cafe
The crash caused significant damage to the cafe’s outdoor patio and storefront window. The city’s Department of Buildings assessed the site and cleared it for reopening around noon. By Thursday afternoon, City News Cafe was able to welcome customers back.
- Damage: Outdoor patio and storefront window.
- Reopening Time: Around noon on Thursday.
Angelastri expressed gratitude for the community’s support, noting the high volume of calls checking in on the cafe’s status. He also indicated that he is currently seeking estimates for repair costs.
A Legacy of Resilience
City News Cafe boasts one of the largest magazine collections in Chicago. Angelastri has been a fixture in the newsstand business since purchasing his first location near the cafe in 1978. He expanded to the current location in 1988 and has proudly maintained consistent operations, even through adverse weather events. Typically, the cafe operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Joe Angelastri also owns another newsstand, the Chicago-Main Newsstand, located at 860 Chicago Ave. in Evanston. Despite the recent incident, he remains committed to serving the community and ensuring his business thrives.
