TSD Memphis

DOLTON, Ill.— Illinois State Police say a southern Illinois man has been charged in connection with the death of woman who was killed after falling from a vehicle on a Chicago freeway.

Police said Thursday that 28-year-old Michael Johnson of Edwardsville faces drunken driving charges and other counts in the death of 27-year-old Jennifer Mitchell of Chicago. A car and a semi-truck struck and killed Mitchell on Tuesday after she fell from the passenger side of an SUV. The vehicle was traveling on Interstate 94 in suburban Dolton.

Police say it isn't clear if Mitchell fell from the vehicle or jumped. But they say Johnson was driving. Police say Johnson fled on foot but was later apprehended by troopers.

A telephone listing for Johnson in Edwardsville could not be located.

Mitchell is the daughter of husband-and-wife pastors of a South Side Church.

She was a student at Chicago State University and the day news broke of her death, the CSU President Wayne Watson, PhD, issued a statement.

“It is with deep sadness that I share with you the news of the death of our student, Jennifer Mitchell due to a tragic event off campus early this morning. Jennifer was a Pre-nursing student in theCollege of Health Sciences.

“On behalf of the Chicago State University community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Mitchell family and
friends.”