A three-time convicted felon faces multiple new charges after authorities said he fled a traffic stop, dragging a Chicago police officer with his van.
Paris McKinley, 26, was charged Thursday with seven new felonies: one count of armed violence, one count of being armed habitual criminal, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon on parole, one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, one count of aggravated fleeing causing property damage in excess of $300, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident causing injury, according to police.
McKinley, of the 7200 block of Park Avenue in suburban Summit, was also charged with one misdemeanor count of reckless driving and was issued numerous traffic citations, officials said.
Authorities said McKinley was behind the wheel of a van that on-duty officers in a marked squad car pulled over at around 12:38 a.m. Tuesday in the 5700 block of South Western Avenue on the city's Southwest Side.
While questioning him, an officer saw a weapon on the floor of the backseat and McKinley then "abruptly accelerated," according to police, dragging an officer with his vehicle for roughly two blocks south.
The van crashed in the 5900 block of South Western Avenue, striking another car, a gas meter and the side of a building, officials said. McKinley attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended in the 6200 block of South Claremont Avenue, according to police.
A loaded firearm was recovered from his vehicle, authorities said.
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The officer sustained injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening, according to police, and was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in good condition.
McKinley was released on parole on Feb. 20, records from the Illinois Department of Corrections show. He was sentenced to six years in prison for a robbery in 2009, according to IDOC, then again in 2014 to seven years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
McKinley was scheduled to appear in bond court Thursday. Attorney information for the accused was not immediately available.
