Officer John J. Lyons was killed when the squad car he was driving struck a tree.

The accident occurred at 3:14 a.m. in the 3400 block of North Kimball. The squad car was northbound on Kimball responding to a radio assignment when it skidded and spun into a tree. After striking the tree the vehicle continued to spin forcing it to impact a light pole. Officer Lyons was ejected from the vehicle and was found lying in the middle of the street. The passenger, a probationary officer, was extricated and transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center. The surviving officer was not able to recall any details leading up to the crash.

District Patrol Specialist John Lyons was serving as a training officer at the time of the accident. He was a 25-year veteran of the department, currently assigned to the Belmont District.

His wife, two daughters, two sons, parents and two sisters survive Officer John Lyons.

On May 25, 2006 Officer Lyons’ star was retired by the Chicago Police Department.