DUI Suspect Arrested in Tragic Crash that Killed Glenview Officer

A Glenview police officer tragically lost his life on Sunday, February 16, in a Barrington car crash. The 43-year-old officer had served with the Glenview Police for 18 years and was recently recognized for his heroic efforts to save one of his fellow officers. Reports indicate that the deadly collision involved another motorist who was recklessly driving and impaired when he struck the victim’s vehicle on the 200-block of South Northwest Highway in Barrington.

Christopher Lopez, 23, was heading northwest when he veered into the oncoming lanes of traffic and collided with the officer’s vehicle. Lopez’s vehicle was caught drifting across multiple lanes of traffic before striking the other car. Responders rushed the officer to the hospital, where he died a short while later.

Details from the investigation and court proceedings

Lopez reportedly remained at the scene of the crash. Barrington police administered field sobriety tests, which they report he failed. Tests of Lopez’s blood alcohol showed results of .059 and .031, both of which are below Illinois’ legal limit of .08 BAC. However, there was an open bottle of tequila and a pill bottle with cannabis residue on it in the vehicle.

Data recovered from Lopez’s vehicle shows that he was speeding and failed to apply the brakes before the crash. Prosecutors argued to keep Lopez detained pending a trial, pointing to two previous speeding offenses to support their argument.

At a detention hearing on Tuesday, February 18, Lopez was reportedly tearful and showed remorse over the tragic crash.

Illinois DUI and reckless homicide laws

While Lopez’s blood alcohol level did not surpass the legal limit, Illinois law supports DUI charges when impairment is suspected based on other evidence, including field tests and driving behavior. Driving with an open container in the vehicle is also a violation, even when the driver does not have a BAC of .08 or higher. It’s possible that the evidence of potential cannabis use could also influence the charges as well.

Reckless homicide charges apply in Illinois when a driver’s actions—such as speeding, failing to brake, or crossing lanes unsafely—result in another person’s death. Even in the absence of drug or alcohol use, these charges can result in severe convictions for drivers. The serious nature of these charges reflects the extreme risks that reckless, drunk, or otherwise impaired drivers create for everyone on and near the road.

The devastating impact of DUI-related crashes

Glenview Police Chief William Fitzpatrick stated that the victim “was more than just a colleague. He was a part of our family and a part of this community. Our hearts are broken by his passing.”

The loss of the officer, in this case, is a tragic reminder of how impaired or drunk driving can take and destroy lives. On average, a shocking 11,000 people in the US die each year because of drunk drivers.

Legal options for families affected by DUI fatalities

Criminal charges are already pending against the driver in this case. The criminal case can and hopefully will help hold the driver who caused this tragedy accountable. However, it does little to help the family with the financial hardships that come with the loss of a loved one. Families can also file a wrongful death claim, which, in addition to holding the driver accountable, offers some compensation. A wrongful death claim allows families to recover for funeral and burial costs, the loss of income, and the emotional suffering that results from such an avoidable tragedy.

In some cases, Illinois dram shop laws also allow families to file a claim against an establishment that overserved or sold liquor to the driver.

Honoring the officer’s legacy

The officer’s visitation will be on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Glueckert Funeral Home in Arlington Heights. The funeral service will be held the next day, at 9 a.m., at Glueckert Funeral Home. Then, a procession will take place to Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church for 10 a.m. Mass. The officer will be laid to rest at the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery in Palatine.

Preventing future tragedies

There is no excuse for impaired driving. Ride-share services and other options are available for anyone who needs them, which only makes it more devastating when such a senseless loss occurs. The legal consequences for driving under the influence aim to prevent severe, often fatal crashes like this one.

The community will not forget the honorable service of this dedicated officer. Law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to keep others safe. It is important that this case results in accountability and that we continue to promote strict safety standards on Illinois roadways.

For those impacted by negligence, DUIs, and reckless drivers, please reach out to Gainsberg Law. We’re here to help. Call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our compassionate attorneys.