UPDATE: The Rockford Police Officer accused of drinking and
driving has been placed on administrative leave.
Daniel Cruz was arrested in Boone County on Monday. Police say
Cruz was passing a SUV in a no passing zone on Beloit Rd. when he struck a pickup
truck and collided with the SUV. Aall four passengers were taken to the
hospital and one is in critical condition. Cruz has been charged with a DUI
among other charges. He's a 13 year veteran of the Rockford Police Department.
The city says it won't comment any further.
Due to this arrest, Officer Cruz has been put on Administrative
Leave (with pay) and has been relieved of his police powers.
BOONE COUNTY (WIFR) -- On Monday just after 9:00pm, the Boone
County Sheriff's Department responded to a vehicle crash on Beloit Road, near
Townhall Road.
Initial investigation shows that a van, driven by 37 year old
Rockford Police Officer Daniel A. Cruz, was passing a SUV in a no passing zone
and on a hill. Cruz's vehicle and the one he was passing were both travling
south on Beloit Rd.
Cruz's vehicle was still in the wrong lane when it struck an
oncoming pickup truck in the Northbound lane on Beloit Road. Cruz's vehicle
also came into contact with another SUV. The driver of the truck and Cruz were
not injured. All 4 passengers of the SUV were taken to an area hospital, one
suffering from critical injuries.
Cruz was arrested and charged with Agg. DUI, Agg. Reckless
Driving, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, improper passing,
improper lane usage, and no insurance. He bonded out Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Rockford Register Star, Cruz, a 13-year veteran
of the department, and reportedly was off-duty when the accident happened.