Justice Police lose one of thier own Officer Richard J. Pedota of Palos Hills, Ill., was southbound in the right lane of I-55 at about 5:40 a.m. on 17 Sep 11 when a car driven by 18-year-old Tyler R. Balsey of Sterling, Ill., drove past in the left lane, police said. Balsey reportedly veered onto the left shoulder and then corrected and struck the left side of Pedota’s motorcycle.
Pedota was thrown from the Harley-Davidson and died at the scene. Balsey and his passengers were not injured, police said.
Balsey was cited for alleged illegal consumption by a minor, zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and improper lane usage, police said. One of his passengers also received a citation for alleged illegal consumption.
Further charges are pending the completion of the crash investigation, police said.
Lieutenant Philip V. De Luca III
