The son of a well-known Los Angeles City Hall lobbyist was arrested after allegedly hitting his father with a vehicle. The suspect, identified as Jack Modrzejewski, 24, reportedly drove a Ford Bronco into his father during a family disturbance.
According to authorities, Pasadena Police responded to a call in the 300 block of Mooresque Drive on September 19. Lt. Monica Cuellar stated that the suspect attempted to leave the scene while intoxicated. She explained the victim stood in front of the vehicle to prevent the suspect from driving. The younger Modrzejewski then accelerated, causing his father to fall onto the hood and eventually into the roadway.
The suspect fled, colliding with a city power pipe on Glen Oaks Boulevard before reaching a friend’s house on Linda Vista Avenue, where police arrested him. The father, Chris Modrzejewski, sustained severe injuries to his leg and pelvis. Emergency services provided an emergency blood transfusion, which city spokesperson Lisa Derderian noted probably saved his life. He was later taken to Huntington Hospital for further treatment.
Jack Modrzejewski, who works for LA28, organizing the upcoming Olympic games, was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence, and hit and run resulting in injury. He posted bail on September 20 and was released from custody. The district attorney’s office is reviewing the case for possible charges.
Chris Modrzejewski, a principal at M Strategic Communications, has played a significant role in various business projects, including the Banc of California Stadium deal, now called BMO Stadium. He previously served as director of policy for former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan. His firm’s recent clients include Lineage, following a toxic fire incident in Boyle Heights.
The September 19 incident was the first use of Pasadena Fire Department’s new program for emergency blood transfusions. Implemented in August, paramedics can now administer transfusions at the scene using blood stored in two battalion chief vehicles. Research indicates that delaying transfusions by even one minute can increase mortality rates by 2%. Fire Chief Chad Augustin emphasized the importance of this service in improving outcomes for trauma victims.