BELLWOODMAN GETS SIX YEARS FOR DEADLY TRAFFIC ALTERCATION

WHEATON- DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that thirty year-old Fredrick V. Griffin, (d.o.b. 5/26/1979) of 522 W. Geneva, Bellwood, was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections this morning for leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in the death of Frank J. MacNaught.  Griffin entered an agreed plea of guilty to one count of Failure to Report an Accident Involving Death in front of Judge Kathryn Creswell who handed down today’s sentence.

            On July 24, 2008, at approximately 7:30 p.m. the men were involved in a minor traffic altercation in Villa Park.  Griffin fled the scene of that altercation only to be followed by MacNaught.  MacNaught eventually caught up with Griffin on Iowa Street in Addison.  It was at this time that the altercation between the two men grew violent.  Griffin then attempted to back up his vehicle while MacNaught was standing next to the driver’s side of the vehicle and continued driving after MacNaught fell underneath Griffin’s vehicle.  Griffin then fled the scene.  An investigation by the Addison Police Department led officers to Griffin who was apprehended several days later without incident.

            “Road rage can be a very dangerous thing,” remarked Birkett.  “This senseless crime could have, and should have been avoided.  Had Mr. Griffin not fled the scene of the original altercation he would not be facing a significant amount of time behind bars and Mr. MacNaught would be alive today.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. MacNaught who lost a family member to senseless violence.”

            As part of the agreement, Griffin will be required to serve 50% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

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