Tito Rodriguez, 28, killed in motorcycle crash on Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago on July 20.

Modified Date: 
Wed, 11/05/2014 - 2:15pm
Accident Date: 
Saturday, July 19, 2014

ISP: Off-Duty CPD Officer Killed in Motorcycle Crash on Dan Ryan Expressway

Police, citing preliminary information, said a red 2007 Pontiac Coupe was attempting to make an abrupt lane change to avoid missing the exit at 71st Street, cutting off the motorcycle in an adjacent lane.

Off-Duty Chicago Police Officer Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Dan Ryan

Anderson was issued two traffic citations – for making an improper lane change and not carrying valid insurance.

Driver charged in accident that killed off-duty cop released on monitoring

A driver charged with reckless homicide in an accident that killed an off-duty Chicago police officer was ordered released on electronic monitoring over the objections of prosecutors Wednesday.

A mistake turned fatal Sunday afternoon on the Dan Ryan Expressway, when a driver cut off an off-duty police officer who was riding a motorcycle.

CBS 2’s Dana Kozlov reports 28-year-old Officer Tito Rodriguez – who was a new recruit still serving as a probationary officer, with less than 18 months on the job – was heading south on the Dan Ryan near 69th Street when he collided with a car.

Rodriguez’s childhood friend and roommate Roger Steele was shattered by his loss.

“He was just honest, loyal, beyond dependable,” Steele said.

Illinois State Police said 50-year-old Donald Anderson was driving a 2007 Pontiac coupe and was trying to make a sudden lane change to exit the Dan Ryan at 71st Street, when he cut off Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was unable to avoid hitting the back of the Pontiac, and slid at least 40 feet on the pavement after the collision. State police and witnesses said he was not wearing a helmet.

“He did not have on a helmet, and it was two other gentlemen on a motorcycle with him – that was on different motorcycles – and neither one had on helmets,” witness Tracy Johnson said.

People Involved: 
Tito Rodriguez
Donald Anderson

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