(DOLTON) A downstate man was ordered held on $1 million bond for allegedly driving an SUV under the influence when a Chicago woman fell out on the Bishop Ford Freeway early Tuesday.

 

Jennifer Mitchell, 27, was fatally struck by at least two vehicles on the Bishop Ford Freeway (I-94) just before 1 a.m. Tuesday near 154th Street in Dolton, authorities said. Mitchell, of the 9200 block of South Paxton Avenue, died at the scene.

 

Illinois State Police announced Thursday that Michael D. Johnson, 28, of Edwardsville, has been charged with one count each of aggravated DUI involving death, aggravated fleeing and eluding and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

 

On Friday, Johnson was ordered held on $1 million bond, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s office. He will be back in court March 7.

 

Mitchell fell from the passenger side of her own SUV on the southbound Ford (I-94), but a statement from State Police said “it remains unclear if Mitchell was pushed or jumped.”

 

Johnson was driving the SUV and did not stop when Mitchell fell out, but continued southward until crashing at the exit ramp near near 127th Street, according to police. He then attempted to run away, but was apprehended by state troopers.

 

He was then taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for treatment of minor injuries, State Police said.

 

Police said Mitchell and Johnson were “connected at various locations” throughout the night of the incident.

 

An autopsy on Tuesday was inconclusive, with results pending police investigation.

 

Johnson, who is scheduled to appear in bond court Friday in Markham, has a long criminal history, including two convictions, both for domestic battery, at least seven other arrests, including four for assault, according to State Police.

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