Detective Alvin Perez was killed in an automobile accident while he and his partner transported a murder suspect back to the police station for questioning.

Detective Perez was driving a 1999 Ford Taurus when it struck a concrete barrier on an off ramp from the Eisenhower Expressway in snowy and slushy conditions. Detective Perez’s partner and the suspect, who were both riding in the backseat, were injured.

Detective Perez had served with the Bellwood Police Department for 12 years and was a US Navy veteran. He had only been promoted to detective 17 days before the accident. Detective Perez was survived by his wife, 6-year-old daughter, 2-year-old twins, father and sister.