2nd runaway auto hits 4 downtown

For the second time in as many days, pedestrians at a busydowntown intersection yesterday fell victim to a runaway car.

Four women were injured, one critically, when a southbound car -driven by a man who police said has a history of mental illness -veered out of control and jumped the curb at the southwest corner ofMichigan Avenue and Chestnut Street yesterday morning.

"He hit the accelerator and was going extremely fast," said AmyWiseman-Randich, 24, one of the victims.

"I saw him hit a woman . . . she was lying on the ground. I washysterical. Others were, too."

Police and witnesses said the driver, Charles Conklin, 38,continued to drive south on the Michigan Avenue sidewalk for 300 feetbefore stopping near the entrance of I. Magnin.

Police said Conklin, who was not injured, left his car, ransouth on Michigan and turned west on Pearson Street.

He was chased by three police officers, who caught him nearRush Street, police said.

"His family said Conklin has had a history of mental illness for10 years," said police Lt. James Geoghegan, of the 18th District."His father said he (Charles Conklin) is on medication for hiscondition."

Police said Conklin, of 8947 N. La Crosse, Skokie, wasincoherent when he was caught. He later was taken to Chicago ReedMental Health Center.

Conklin's family declined to comment.

"The driver didn't put up a struggle," said Patrol OfficerMiguel Soto, one of the officers who caught him.

"He was yelling he wanted to be taken to Reed Mental."

Police were uncertain whether Conklin was a present or formerpatient there.

The most seriously injured person in the 9:30 a.m. accident wasMary Ford, 78, who was listed in critical condition at NorthwesternMemorial Hospital with head injuries, fractures of the pelvis andlower left leg and possible internal injuries.

Mieko Nogiawa, 64, was listed in fair condition at Northwesternwith head injuries. Wiseman-Randich and Rossina Deltoro, 26, weretreated at the hospital and released.

Police charged Conklin with driving on a sidewalk and strikingpedestrians in a roadway.

He posted his driver's license as bond.

Meanwhile, police said yesterday that a 66-year-old taxi driverwhose runaway cab injured 14 people in the Loop Monday apparentlysuffered a stroke that may have caused him to lose control of hisfoot on the accelerator.

Major accident investigations Sgt. Richard Moeller said WillieEvans, of 313 N. Mayfield, "seemed to be quite incoherent, had onlylimited use of his right arm and had lost bodily functions"immediately after the accident.

"All indications are that he suffered a stroke," Moeller said."Also, he is a borderline diabetic. It sounds like the man hasmedical problems."