Chicago, Illinois – A 33-year-old Maywood woman has been charged in connection with the fatal carjacking of an Uber Eats delivery driver on Chicago’s West Side. Authorities say the victim was struck and killed with his own vehicle during the early morning hours near Loretto Hospital.
The accused, Montonya Perry, 33, faces one felony count of murder and one felony count of vehicular hijacking, according to Chicago police. The victim, identified as Daniel Figueroa, 28, was found unresponsive in the street shortly after 2 a.m. Monday.
Incident Overview
Police said officers responded to a call shortly after 2 a.m. Monday in the area of Flournoy Street and Central Avenue in the South Austin neighborhood. There, they discovered Daniel Figueroa, 28, lying unresponsive in the roadway.
Unconfirmed dispatch reports indicated that Figueroa was bleeding from the head when first responders arrived. He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have charged Montonya Perry, 33, of Maywood, in connection with the case. She is scheduled to appear at a detention hearing on Wednesday.
Timeline of Events
According to police, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning near Loretto Hospital, located just steps from where Figueroa was found. Neighbors in the area reported that the victim had been delivering food to hospital staff working overnight shifts.
Witnesses familiar with the hospital’s third-shift routines said it is common for staff members to order meals during late hours.
Alexander Redd, a nearby resident, described the tragic circumstances.
“I know it sounds crazy, but hospital workers, they order food around that hour; third shift workers,” Redd said. “He was just doing his job. He didn’t deserve that at all.”
Redd also stated that two individuals allegedly attempted to carjack Figueroa and that neighbors were told he may have been dragged down the street during the incident. However, Chicago police have not confirmed those details, stating only that a homicide investigation remains ongoing.
Details from Police and Officials
Chicago police confirmed that Montonya Perry has been formally charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Vehicular hijacking
Investigators have not yet released full details about how the confrontation unfolded or the exact circumstances leading to Figueroa’s fatal injuries.
An autopsy conducted by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office was still pending as of Tuesday afternoon, and the official cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed.
The scene of the incident is located directly near Loretto Hospital, which issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming cooperation with investigators.
“On behalf of Loretto Hospital, our prayers and condolences go out to the individual’s family and loved ones. Our focus remains on supporting the safety, health, and well-being of the community we serve during this difficult time,” said hospital spokesperson Emerald-Jane Hunter.
Victim Identified
Daniel Figueroa, 28, was confirmed to be working as an Uber Eats delivery driver at the time of the incident. An Uber Eats spokesperson verified that Figueroa was affiliated with the food delivery platform.
Family members described Figueroa as the youngest of his siblings and someone who enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors.
His father, Carlos Figueroa, expressed disbelief and heartbreak over the loss of his son. He said he wants those responsible to be held accountable.
Growing Concerns Over Delivery Driver Safety
This tragic incident has once again raised concerns about the safety risks faced by gig economy workers, particularly those delivering food during overnight hours. Delivery drivers often work alone, travel to unfamiliar neighborhoods, and respond to orders at all times of the night, which can increase vulnerability.
Community members in South Austin say the area has struggled with crime in recent years, and residents are urging stronger safety measures for both workers and neighbors.
Public safety experts advise delivery drivers to:
- Stay alert and aware of surroundings
- Avoid poorly lit areas when possible
- Use in-app safety features and emergency tools
- Share live location details with trusted contacts
While investigations continue, local authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Conclusion
The fatal death of Daniel Figueroa, 28, has left a family grieving and a community shaken. As Montonya Perry, 33, prepares for her detention hearing, investigators continue working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the deadly encounter near Loretto Hospital.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about late-night delivery work and community safety across Chicago’s West Side.
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