Chicago City Wire

The trial for the suspect in the death of retired police officer Rick Haljean has been rescheduled to begin on Friday, July 14 at 9 a.m. 

The trial will be held in Room 604 at the 26th and Cal courthouse.

“Rick Haljean was run over and left for dead by offender, he leaves behind 3 children, please show your support to Rick's family,” the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police said on Facebook on June 13.

Haljean was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Edison Park on Jan. 20, 2022. Haljean, who had served 27 years on the police force, was crossing the street when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, according to Block Club Chicago. Despite retiring in 2020 due to health issues, Haljean remained active and involved, volunteering, and supporting various causes. The incident has prompted the Edison Park Community Council to call for measures to improve road safety in the area.

"My brother was the best," Haljean’s brother, Peter Haljean, said, ABC7 Chicago reported. "Always there for anyone who needed him. Heart of gold. We need to keep saying his name and remember him as a hero to the city of Chicago.”

Ted Plevritis, a resident of Palatine, who was charged in the hit-and-run, has been released on a $200,000 bond. Plevritis surrendered to the police months after the incident and is under electronic monitoring. 

Haljean's brother expressed relief that the person responsible has come forward but questioned why it took him so long. Haljean's family appreciates the support they have received, including the establishment of a GoFundMe page by fellow police officers to assist with the education expenses of Haljean's children.

Prosecutors said that Plevritis did not attempt to brake or avoid the collision, leaving Haljean to die. Surveillance footage captured Plevritis getting into the Jeep shortly before the incident, and witnesses tried to assist Haljean while Plevritis fled the scene. Cell phone data indicated that Plevritis' phone was in motion with the vehicle at the time of the collision and showed evidence of him using the email app, according to Chicago Sun-Times. Plevritis faced charges of reckless homicide, failure to report an accident involving a death, and aggravated use of a communication device.