A file photo shows a crime scene blocked off by the Chicago Police Department. (WTTW News)
A party bus driver is facing multiple charges after he allegedly struck more than a dozen vehicles, including an ambulance with its lights activated, just blocks away from the Market Days festival over the weekend.
A Cook County judge on Monday issued a $40,000 D-bond to 45-year-old Gregory Baldwin, who was arrested Saturday after he allegedly rammed a bus into 18 vehicles along North Broadway and the surrounding areas as bystanders were walking to and from the nearby Market Days festivities.
According to Assistant State’s Attorney Steven Haamid, Baldwin was driving the bus northbound on Broadway in heavy traffic. Despite that traffic, and one witness telling him repeatedly to stop, Baldwin allegedly drove forward, striking an ambulance that had both its emergency lights and horns activated.
From there, Baldwin continued driving at a slow rate of speed and “crushed” a vehicle just north of the ambulance, Haamid said. He allegedly struck several other vehicles before turning onto Recreation Drive, where he eventually stopped when he ran out of roadway. Officers quickly approached and placed Baldwin under arrest.
Haamid said some witnesses recorded the various collisions, while others watched as their own personal vehicles were struck by the bus. An estimate of the total damage caused was not available during Monday’s hearing, but Haamid said he believed it would be in the “tens of thousands (of dollars) at least.”
An EMT who was inside the ambulance when it was struck was able to identify Baldwin after his arrest, Haamid said. No one was being treated inside the ambulance at the time of the collision.
Baldwin was later charged with a felony count of criminal damage to property, and misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.
In setting bond, Judge Charles Beach took into account the “danger to the community” Baldwin allegedly caused in proximity to the numerous people gathered in and around the Market Days festival.
Because he received a D-bond, Baldwin must pay $4,000 to be released from jail. He is due back in court for a hearing Aug. 15.
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
