CPD mourns Officer Tito Rodriguez, killed in Dan Ryan crash

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A vigil will be held Monday in honor of Chicago Police Officer Tito Rodriguez, 28, who was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Officer Rodriguez was riding southbound on the Dan Ryan (I-94) near 69th Street when he was struck by a 2007 red Pontiac couple around 2:15 p.m. Sunday.

"Someone cut someone off, swerved, one hit another," crash witness Gene Campbell said. "It's the worst in the world can happen - dragged 20 feet down the expressway."

The driver of the Pontiac was charged with improper lane usage and invalid insurance.

Officer Rodriguez was off-duty when he was killed. He had only been on the force for one year. His roommate, Roger Steele, said Rodriguez's life-long dream was to be a Chicago police officer.

"He's going to be irreplaceable as a friend," Steele said. "I can't imagine what family is going through."

A prayer vigil will be held outside the 6th District Police Station on July 21 at 7 p.m.