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Cook County Sheriff's Deputy James Koch Identified As Fatal Crash Victim In Chicago Ridge, Juvenile In Custody

CHICAGO (CBS)-- A Cook County Sheriff's Deputy was killed during a crash in Chicago Ridge just after midnight Saturday.

According to the Chicago Ride Police Department, a Nissan, driven by a 16-year-old, struck Cook County Sheriff's Deputy James Koch's vehicle. Koch was trapped in his vehicle, a 2002 Chevrolet, and unresponsive when officials arrived on the scene in the 10100 block of Virginia Ave.

James Koch
Credit: Cook County Sheriff's Office

Koch was taken to Christ Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Koch was off-duty at the time of the accident and police said he was on his way home from his shift. According to officials, Koch's specific title is electronic monitoring unit investigator, and he had been with the Cook County Sheriff's office for over 28 years.

The 16-year-old now faces reckless homicide charges. Police said the juvenile is being held in custody until his next hearing on April 5.

They also said wet roads and speed were major factors in the crash, not drugs or alcohol.

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