A suburban Chicago man faces felony charges in a weekend crash that killed a state highway contractor who was working on roadway landscaping.
Munkhbat Munkh Erdene, 30, of Rolling Meadows was charged Tuesday with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence in Sunday’s crash that killed 67-year-old Roberto Orozco.
The crash occurred Sunday morning in northwest suburban Mount Prospect on Golf Road near Robert Drive. Mount Prospect police said Erdene was driving a minivan that ran over highway cones meant to create a safe working area for the contractors. The driver crashed into a sign, then struck Orozco and another worker. The medical examiner’s office has identified 67-year-old Roberto Orozco as the victim killed in the crash. The other victim was taken to a nearby hospital.
Police said Orozco was part of a crew contracted by the Illinois Department of Transportation for landscaping work along the roadway.
Erdene’s bond was set at $75,000 and he’s scheduled for a Nov. 21 court appearance.
McConchie is part of the governor’s “Move Over Task Force,” which is looking at ways to prevent drivers from hitting first responders and others on the sides of roads.
Scott’s Law increased the penalties for drivers who hit someone in a construction zone or other area where workers are clearly identified. Many of these incidents are caused by drivers trying to multitask with cellphones while behind the wheel.
“One life is too many,” McConchie said.
Read the full Scott’s Law Bill HERE