Chicago Police Officer Killed in Motorcycle Accident

CHICAGO, IL — An off-duty Chicago police officer riding a motorcycle was struck and killed early Sunday morning by a driver who ran a red light.

The crash took place in Forest View at about 2 a.m. on Central Avenue after the officer left the Stevenson Expressway and entered the intersection on a green light. He was pronounced dead at Loyola University Medical Center.

On Sunday, a police procession accompanied the ambulance that took the officer to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, speaking at a Sunday morning press conference, said the officer, identified as Charles Barango, served in the department for 14 years and was a tactical unit officer in the 5th District.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the officer,” Johnson said.

In 2013, Barango served as an adviser on the TV show "Chicago PD," according to his LinkedIn page.

Brian Luce, the show’s technical adviser, told the Chicago Sun-Times he hired Barango to train cast members. Barango was "a highly decorated, awesome awesome SWAT guy," Luce said.

Barango also volunteered at Rush University Medical Center, working with brain surgery patients prior to their operations. Barango had a tumor removed five years ago.

Charges are pending against the driver of the other vehicle, according to Forest View police.