An off-duty Chicago Police detective killed two young men in a fiery car crash on Chicago’s Dan Ryan Expressway last night. Joseph Frugoli, a 41 year-old detective from the Bridgeport area, was heavily intoxicated when he allegedly plowed his black Lexus into the back of a disabled Dodge Intrepid near the 18th Street ramp around four in the morning. The fiery collision killed both of the passengers in the Intrepid. Frugoli was reportedly walking away from the crash scene when he was apprehended by police. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence, two counts of reckless homicide and one count of leaving the scene of the accident according to the Cook County State’s Attorney. Frugoli was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment where chemical testing showed his blood alcohol level to be three times the legal limit. He reportedly worked for the Wentworth area detective headquarters just off the Dan Ryan at 51st and Wentworth. The Police Department has released a statement reporting the Frugoli has been relieved of his police powers.
The victims of the crash were Andrew Cazares, a 23 year-old resident of the 7700 block of West 62nd Place, and Fausto Manzera, a 21 year-old Chicago resident. Cazares worked construction and was known as a talented artist and skateboarder. Manzera was also artistic and was a college student at DePaul University. The Chicago Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division has launched a probe following the tragic car accident.
Chicago expressway car accidents are often the most serious. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a car accident, you should retain an experienced attorney to investigate the crash and protect your rights. Chicago car accident lawyer Joseph G. Klest is experienced in advocating on behalf of Illinois car accident victims. Contact Joseph G. Klest for a free initial consultation.