Late Sunday night, Edwardsville residents were shaken by a violent crash that left a 24‑year‑old man dead and a beloved downtown building badly damaged. Just after 11:10 p.m., officers with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department tried to pull over a Chevrolet pickup that was seen driving unsafely and against traffic on local roads. When the driver didn’t stop, officers followed as the truck sped into the heart of the city.
The chase didn’t last long. As the pickup sped down Main Street, the driver lost control and slammed into the front of the Redmon Insurance Agency at 106 South Main Street. The impact tore away brick and glass, leaving a large gap in the building’s facade. Emergency crews arrived within minutes, but the driver, later identified as Ryan C. Drew of Hamel, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Madison County coroner.
Officials said no officers were hurt during the pursuit or collision. The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation has taken over the case and is piecing together what led up to the crash. Investigators have confirmed that Drew was driving at a high rate of speed through city streets when the truck flipped out of control and struck the building.
Employees of Redmon Insurance were not in the office at the time, and business owners say they are grateful no one inside was injured. The crash has left a gaping hole in the front of the agency’s Main Street location, and crews have been working during daylight hours to secure the structure and clear debris. Owner Kai Redmon told neighbors he is focused on making sure clients can still get service despite the disruption.
Community members expressed shock on social media and in local conversations the next day. Many said they never expected such a scene on a quiet downtown street where families walk and shop on weekend evenings. Neighbors described seeing emergency lights and workers clearing away rubble in the early morning hours as traffic was rerouted around the damaged block.
Authorities stress that the investigation is ongoing. State police are reviewing patrol body‑camera footage, witness statements and vehicle data as part of their inquiry. Once the review is complete, the case will be turned over to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for further action. Details about what charges, if any, might follow have not been released.
For local businesses, the crash has brought a mix of concern and solidarity. Owners of nearby shops pitched in to protect their storefronts and help cover repair costs for Redmon Insurance. Officials said repair work is expected to begin as soon as engineers deem the building structurally sound, but downtown traffic patterns near Main and Vandalia streets could be disrupted for days.
