Cary Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Killing Glenview Police Officer in Crash

Christopher Lopez pleaded guilty to reckless homicide after a wrong-way driving incident resulted in the death of Officer Robert Fryc.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 24-year-old Cary man named Christopher Lopez has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to killing a Glenview police officer, Robert Fryc, in a wrong-way driving crash in Barrington. The crash occurred in February 2025 when Lopez's vehicle crossed multiple lanes of traffic and struck Fryc's vehicle head-on. Fryc, a 43-year-old Cary resident, was on his way to work at the time and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Investigators found that Lopez had been drinking prior to the crash and was traveling at excessive speeds without braking.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, which can have devastating consequences for both the perpetrator and innocent victims. The case also underscores the risks that police officers face in the line of duty, as Fryc was killed while commuting to work. The Glenview community and law enforcement agencies across Illinois mourned Fryc's passing, reflecting the high regard in which he was held.

The details

According to prosecutors, Lopez's 2020 Kia Forte was traveling northbound on Northwest Highway in Barrington around 4:09 a.m. on February 16, 2025 when it crossed multiple lanes of traffic and struck Fryc's 2004 Volkswagen Jetta head-on. Investigators found that Lopez had been drinking prior to the crash and was traveling at excessive speeds without braking. Fryc, a longtime officer with the Glenview Police Department, was pronounced dead at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington.

  • The crash occurred around 4:09 a.m. on February 16, 2025.
  • Fryc was recognized at the Glenview Village Board of Trustees meeting on February 4, 2025 for helping save a fellow officer's life the prior summer.
  • Lopez recently pleaded guilty and was sentenced earlier this month (February 2026) to three years in prison.

The players

Christopher Lopez

A 24-year-old man from Cary, Illinois who pleaded guilty to reckless homicide for causing the crash that killed Officer Robert Fryc.

Robert Fryc

A 43-year-old police officer with the Glenview Police Department who was killed in the crash while on his way to work.

David Daigle

The Barrington Police Chief who provided details about the crash.

William Fitzpatrick

The Glenview Police Chief at the time of the incident who mourned the "tremendous loss" of Officer Fryc.

Michael Jenny

The Glenview Village President who said the community was "devastated" by Fryc's death.

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What they’re saying

“Officer Fryc was more than just a colleague. He was a part of our family and a part of this community. Our hearts are broken by his passing, and our priority now is to support his loved ones and our department as we grieve this unimaginable loss together.”

— William Fitzpatrick, Glenview Police Chief (lakemchenryscanner.com)

“The Village of Glenview and the Glenview Police Department called his death a 'tremendous loss'.”

— Michael Jenny, Glenview Village President (lakemchenryscanner.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Christopher Lopez to be released on bail pending his sentencing.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact that impaired and reckless driving can have, not only on the perpetrator but also on innocent victims and their loved ones. It serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that police officers face in the line of duty and the importance of strengthening measures to prevent such senseless loss of life.