A man was killed after he was struck by a passing vehicle while changing a tire on the side of the Kennedy Expressway Monday, and police believe alcohol may have played a factor in the crash.
Early Tuesday, a Chicago Fire Department battalion chief was charged with aggravated driving while under the influence in connection with the crash. The firefighter was identified as Joseph Guidi, 54, according to a state trooper.
Video: Images: Crash Scene Interactive: Are You Drunk?
The man was hit at about 11:48 p.m. on the right shoulder along the eastbound lanes of the expressway near Foster Avenue, Illinois State Police District Chicago Trooper Steve Tufenkjian said.
Jose Sandoval, 44, of Carpentersville, was pronounced dead shortly before 3 a.m. at a local hospital.
The motorist was heading east on the Kennedy when he hit the man, who was changing the tire, officials said.
Sandoval was dragged down the highway after he was hit, police said.
"At this point the investigation is pending, but there's a good possibility alcohol was involved," another Illinois State Police trooper said.
The right lane of the Kennedy was closed from about midnight Monday to 2 a.m. Tuesday.
Guidi was being held in the Jefferson Park District lockup as of 8:15 a.m. Tuesday. A bond hearing had not been scheduled.
The battalion chief is a 26-year veteran member of the Fire Department. He has been placed on administrative leave.
Contributing: City News Service.
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