Cook County correctional officer killed, another officer charged in crash
Perez, Perry
WOODRIDGE (Sun-Times Media Wire) - A Cook County correctional officer was charged with DUI in a three-vehicle crash that killed another correctional officer Monday afternoon in west suburban Woodridge.
Zachary Perry, 27, of Addison, was driving a passenger vehicle when he was killed in the crash about 4 p.m. at Joliet and Davey roads in Woodridge, according to a statement from Woodridge police.
The driver of the other passenger vehicle, Pablo Perez, 30, was taken to a hospital and later charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, according to police.
Both men worked as correctional officers at the Cook County Jail, according to Cara Smith, spokeswoman for the Cook County sheriff’s office.
Perry was employed for over 2 1/2 years, and Perez for over four years, Smith said. Perez was de-deputized shortly after the crash.
“Yesterday was a devastating day,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our staff today and in the difficult days, weeks and years to come.”
Perez was released after posting bail from the Will County Adult Detention Facility, according to Will County sheriff’s office records.
The driver of the box truck was not cited, police said. The crash remained under investigation by police, the Felony Investigative Assistance Team and the Cook County sheriff’s office of professional regulation.