The fatal carjacking of 28-year-old UberEats driver Daniel Figueroa near a West Side hospital has left a grieving family and a shaken community searching for answers. Authorities allege that what began as a routine late-night delivery shift ended in tragedy when Figueroa was struck and killed with his own vehicle during a violent encounter.
Police have charged 33-year-old Montoya Perry of Maywood with murder and vehicular hijacking in connection with the incident. As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crime, loved ones are remembering Figueroa not only as a hardworking delivery driver but as a devoted partner and father figure who was deeply committed to his family.
Details of the Alleged Carjacking and Fatal Collision
According to Chicago police, officers arrested Montoya Perry shortly after noon on Monday. She faces charges of murder and vehicular hijacking stemming from an incident that occurred in the 5500 block of West Flournoy Street, near Loretto Hospital. Authorities allege that Perry participated in the taking of Daniel Figueroa’s vehicle during the early morning hours. During the course of the carjacking, Figueroa was fatally struck with his own car as the driver fled the scene.
Police said Figueroa was discovered just after 2 a.m. on Monday. Emergency responders transported him to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Investigators have not yet released detailed information about how the confrontation unfolded or whether additional individuals may have been involved. As of now, Perry remains the only person charged in connection with the crime.
Vehicular hijackings have been a significant concern in Chicago and surrounding communities in recent years, with law enforcement agencies frequently highlighting the risks associated with such violent crimes. The alleged circumstances of this case — in which the victim was struck by his own vehicle — underscore the unpredictable and often deadly nature of these offenses. Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
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For delivery drivers, particularly those working late-night shifts, safety concerns are heightened. Many gig-economy workers rely on flexible hours to supplement their income, but those same hours can expose them to vulnerable situations. In this case, Figueroa was reportedly working extra hours delivering food after finishing his primary job, a routine decision that tragically turned fatal.
A Life Remembered: Daniel Figueroa’s Dedication to Family
Beyond the police reports and criminal charges, those closest to Daniel Figueroa are grappling with an immeasurable personal loss. His girlfriend, Sandra Guerrero, spoke publicly about the shock and heartbreak that followed his sudden death. The last time she saw Figueroa was Sunday night, after he had completed his shift at Amazon. Determined to earn additional income, he planned to work extra hours delivering for UberEats before returning home. He never made it back.
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Guerrero recounted that she did not receive any calls or messages from him overnight. It was not until 7 a.m., when Figueroa’s mother reached out, that she learned he had passed away. The timing of the tragedy deepened the family’s anguish. That same day was her son’s birthday — a day that had been planned for celebration and time spent together. Instead, it became a day marked by grief and disbelief.
Guerrero described Figueroa as a dedicated family man who treated her son as his own child. According to her, he was known for his warmth and generosity. He enjoyed fishing and had a natural ability to connect with people. Friends and family recall him as someone who consistently put others before himself, working multiple jobs to help support their household.
In an era where many families rely on dual incomes or multiple streams of work to meet financial obligations, Figueroa’s routine was not unusual. What stands out is the commitment he demonstrated — balancing a job at Amazon with late-night delivery shifts to ensure stability for his loved ones. For those who knew him, his life reflected persistence and responsibility, traits that now define his memory.
The loss has created not only emotional devastation but also uncertainty for those who depended on him. Guerrero’s account highlights the suddenness with which violence can alter lives. Plans for a child’s birthday celebration were replaced with funeral preparations and conversations about a future without him.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
With Montoya Perry now facing charges of murder and vehicular hijacking, the case is expected to move through the Cook County court system in the coming weeks and months. Prosecutors will need to present evidence establishing her alleged involvement in both the taking of the vehicle and the events that led to Figueroa’s death. Defense attorneys, in turn, will have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s case. As with all criminal proceedings, Perry is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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The charges reflect the severity of the allegations. Murder charges in Illinois can carry significant prison sentences if a conviction is secured, particularly when linked to violent felonies such as vehicular hijacking. The outcome will ultimately depend on the evidence presented, including any surveillance footage, witness statements, forensic findings, and other investigative materials.
Beyond the courtroom, the case has intensified conversations about public safety and the vulnerabilities faced by gig workers. Delivery drivers often operate alone, navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods during late hours. While companies like UberEats provide flexible earning opportunities, drivers bear many of the risks associated with their work. Incidents such as this one raise broader questions about protective measures, coordination with local law enforcement, and strategies to deter violent crimes targeting drivers.
Community members in the West Side area and neighboring suburbs have expressed concern over the violence. Carjackings, in particular, generate fear because they often occur unexpectedly and can escalate rapidly. The alleged act of striking a victim with his own vehicle has added an especially disturbing dimension to this case.
For Figueroa’s loved ones, however, the broader policy debates are secondary to their immediate grief. They are focused on remembering a man they describe as kind, hardworking, and deeply invested in his family’s well-being. Vigils and memorial gatherings may follow as friends and relatives seek ways to honor his memory and support one another.
As the legal process unfolds, attention will remain on the details surrounding the early-morning confrontation and the evidence tying Perry to the incident. Authorities have not yet released comprehensive information about the sequence of events, and investigators may continue reviewing physical evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
The case also serves as a sobering reminder of how routine activities — such as delivering food after a work shift — can place individuals in vulnerable situations. While law enforcement agencies continue efforts to address violent crime, families like Figueroa’s confront the irreversible consequences when prevention fails.
Daniel Figueroa’s life, as described by those who loved him, was defined by dedication and care for others. His decision to work additional hours on a Sunday night was motivated by responsibility and commitment to his family. In the early hours of Monday morning, that commitment ended in tragedy. Now, as Montoya Perry faces criminal charges, the focus turns to the pursuit of justice and the enduring impact of a loss that cannot be undone.