Michael D. Johnson (Credit: Illinois State Police)
CHICAGO (CBS) — A downstate man with a long criminal past has been charged in the death of a woman who was struck on the Bishop Ford Freeway.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office charged Michael D. Johnson, 28, of Edwardsville, with aggravated driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.
Jennifer Mitchell was fatally struck by a car and a truck on Tuesday when she fell from the passenger side of her SUV as it was traveling on I-94 southbound at 154th Street in Dolton. It remains unclear whether Mitchell was pushed or jumped.
After Mitchell was struck and killed, Johnson kept driving south and onto the Tri-State Tollway.
Johnson was driving Mitchell’s SUV when the SUV crashed at an exit ramp on I-294 near 127th Street. Johnson attempted to elude police and fled on foot, but was later apprehended.
Throughout the investigation, law enforcement agents were able to connect the victim and the offender at various locations, prior to the incident.
Johnson has a criminal history which includes seven arrests and two convictions. The arrests include four charges for assault. He was convicted twice for domestic battery.
Johnson is scheduled to appear in bond court in Markham on Friday.
