The driver who killed attorney Sarah Milcarek on Irving Park Road was drunk when he struck her and drove away, according to Chicago Police.

He was arrested hours later and now faces felony charges that could send him to prison for years.

Miroslaw Ciszek, 34, of the 5900 block of South Kolmar Avenue was arrested at 12:45 a.m. on August 9 in the 4200 block of North Hermitage Avenue, less than four hours after he allegedly struck Milcarek in the 1400 block of West Irving Park Road in Lakeview and fled the scene.

Miroslaw Ciszek, 34 (Chicago Police Department)

The Crash

At approximately 9:22 p.m. on August 8, Ciszek was driving in the 1400 block of West Irving Park Road when he struck Milcarek, who was crossing the street.

Surveillance footage showed a car stopping to let Milcarek cross before Ciszek’s vehicle came into frame at high speed, went around the stopped car, and hit her directly.

Milcarek was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

She was 25 years old. She was an employment attorney at Workplace Law Partners who had graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in May 2025 and was weeks away from her wedding.

Drunk and Fled

After striking Milcarek, Ciszek fled the scene.

Chicago Police located and arrested him hours later in the 4200 block of North Hermitage Avenue.

The Charges

Ciszek faces five counts in connection with the crash.

One felony count of aggravated DUI causing death.

One felony count of leaving the scene of an accident causing death.

One misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol with a BAC of 0.08 or above.

One misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol.

One misdemeanor count of DUI involving alcohol, intoxicating compound, or drug.

A detention hearing for Ciszek is scheduled for August 11, 2026, at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse at 2600 South California Avenue.

Read our original coverage of Sarah Milcarek’s death here.