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Car Drives Through Irsay Family Building in Skokie

The Irsay family owns the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. Much of their fortune was made in Skokie, where they still own property today. On Tuesday morning, however, a car drove through one of their buildings in Skokie.

 
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The vehicle drove over a sidewalk, hit a bench, bushes and ultimately struck this support beam near Lincoln and Laramie avenues on Tuesday around 12:20 a.m., police said.
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A man drove his car through a building once owned by Indianapolis Colts icon Robert Irsay on Tuesday around 12:20 a.m.

The driver, who was heading southbound on Laramie Avenue, continued going straight instead of veering left onto Lincoln Avenue, police said. The person’s vehicle went onto the sidewalk and then struck – and destroyed – a park bench. The vehicle continued moving forward until it made contact with a tree, several bushes and a structural support beam.

Skokie Fire Chief Ralph Czerwinski said the driver was found standing outside his vehicle when authorities arrived. The motorist was later transported to Skokie Hospital to treat non-life threatening injuries. No bystanders were injured.

Meanwhile, engineers from the Village of Skokie worked relentlessly to repair the structure. The vehicle – a Subaru SUV – was still attached to the metal beam pillar while workers made repairs. Due to safety reasons, officers are unable to investigate the inside of the vehicle until repairmen are finished, police said. Officers are also awaiting a toxicology report of the driver from hospital officials.

At this time, it is unclear whether the man was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That information should become available after engineers finish their repairs.

Building history

Robert Irsay made his fortune through his business, the Robert Irsay Company of Skokie, during the early 70s. The building would later exchange hands to his son, now Colts owner Jim Irsay, and later to a different Irsay relative. The word “COLTS” is also prominently featured on the side of the building.

The Robert Irsay Company is still present in Skokie today, but that building is located at 8130 St. Louis Ave.

Related Topics: Car Crash, Colts, Irsay, Lincoln Avenue, Old Police Station, and Skokie

Dave Statter

7:24 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Did it have Maryland license plates?

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Gloria Begovich

12:47 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012

Just curious, but why r u asking if they were Maryland license plates?

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George Slefo

1:45 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012

Hi Gloria -

The legend goes like this: Robert Irsay moved the Colts from Baltimore to Indy in the middle of the night. As you can imagine, the people of Maryland weren't too happy.

Thanks for the comment!

Best,

George

Gloria Begovich

9:46 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012

Sorry I was not available to respond to you sooner George. I just wanted to thank you for the clarification of the Robert Irsay history. I have been in Skokie over 30 years, my parents even longer. I just have not known much about that Colt building, only that it has been there a long time and I have passed by it a million times. Very interesting info and I thank you kindly George. VERY DEVOTED SKOKIE RESIDENT.

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