Firefighter Charged with Reckless Homicide in Crash that Killed Downers Grove Woman

An off-duty Orland and Crestwood firefighter has been charged in connection with a crash that killed a Downers Grove woman in unincorporated Cook County Friday.

Patrick Bruce, 45, of Oak Forest, was driving a black Lincoln Navigator eastbound on 167th Street, near Oak Forest, around 1:40 p.m. when he struck a white SUV and veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with an Oldsmobile, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The driver of the Oldsmobile, 25-year-old Anasis Knox of Downers Grove, was transported to South Suburban Hospital and died later that day. A passenger in her vehicle was treated and released, according to reports. 

Bruce was treated for minor injuries before being taken into custody, according to a Sun-Times Media report.

Late Sunday night, Bruce was charged with reckless homicide, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and reckless driving, according to the Chicago Tribune.

He is scheduled to appear in court Monday for a bond hearing.

Bruce is a full-time firefighter with the Orland Park Fire Protection District, and works part-time at the Crestwood Fire Department. He was off duty and driving his personal vehicle at the time of the accident, according to Orland Park Fire Chief Ken Brucki.

The Orland Park Fire Protection District is cooperating with police investigators, according to a statement released by the district Sunday.

“It was a very unfortunate accident that claimed a life,” Brucki said. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Knox family.”

Bruce has been on fire district duty injury leave since July 2012.

“We remained supportive of our employee,” Brucki said. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

There are plenty of ways to keep up on Oak Forest news:

• Sign up for our daily email newsletter

• Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take