A Chicago man was fatally struck and killed when a suspect fleeing a high-value smash-and-grab robbery struck his vehicle. The stolen goods? Nearly $700,000 in merchandise from a Louis Vuitton store.
The victim, identified as 40-year-old Mark Arceta, was driving to his final shift before taking paternity leave. His partner, who was pregnant at the time, said their baby was born just a day after his death.
Police say the suspect, 30-year-old Dejuan Wingard, was driving at about 100 mph during the escape. Arceta’s car was hit in a collision caused by the fleeing driver.
Seven people have since been charged in the case, including Wingard, with charges ranging from burglary and felony theft to murder. The crew allegedly used a truck to smash into the front of the Louis Vuitton store on Michigan Avenue before fleeing with thousands of dollars worth of goods.
The incident has left the community heartbroken. Family members and friends described Arceta as kind and hard-working, and a GoFundMe has been launched to support his newborn child and grieving loved ones.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, gathering surveillance footage, vehicle-damage reports, and other evidence to build their case.