Fallen Hometown police officer Lt. James Kouski Jr. was escorted through the community where he was born and raised and served for 34 years. The procession passed down Southwest Highway around 10:30 a.m. on Monday.
Kouski, 58, a resident of New Lenox, was fatally struck by a speeding car on Saturday morning while investigating a DUI crash at 90th Street and Pulaski Road. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center where he died from his injuries.
Otis M. Pruitt, 27, is charged with reckless homicide and felony driving under the influence, according to sheriff’s police. He was also treated at Advocate Christ Medical Center for injuries, and his blood-alcohol content exceeded .008% three hours after the incident.
At a hearing Monday, Pruitt’s bond was set for $1 million. According to the state’s attorney’s office, if he posted bail, he would have to post 10% to be released and would be on electronic home monitoring.
Mayor Kevin Casey said that this was the police department’s first line-of-duty death since 1957.
Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent