Cop charged with felony DUI in crash that killed 2

Chicago, IL

Cop who killed 2 posts $7,500 for bail, enraging victim's brother

In the hours before a car accident that claimed two lives, the off-duty Chicago Police officer who allegedly caused the wreck drank four shots of liquor and three additional alcoholic beverages, prosecutors said Thursday.

Cook County prosecutors made the allegations as they charged cop John Ardelean with aggravated driving under the influence -- a felony -- in the wake of the fatal Nov. 22 car accident.

After the collision at Damen and Oakdale, "a police lieutenant detected a slight odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the defendant's breath," said Assistant State's Attorney Jason Poje. Further tests indicated he was drunk, authorities said.

Ardelean, 34, was originally charged with a misdemeanor. Nearly two months after the crash, prosecutors decided to bring felony charges that could land Ardelean in prison for up to 28 years. More >>

Chicago police officer gets DUI charge after Christmas Eve Car Crash

December 27, 2007 (Chicago, IL)

A Chicago police officer has been charged with DUI in a Christmas Eve car crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway, authorities said.

Jon Cacciatore, 43, was charged with driving under the influence, Illinois State Trooper Juan Valenzuela said.

About 11:30 p.m. Monday, Cacciatore, who was off-duty at the time, was driving south in the express lane near 43rd Street on the South Side when he hit a tow truck, state police Sgt. Gregory Coate said. More >>