Clifford Law Offices Files Lawsuit Against City of Chicago for Death of Sheriff in The Toys for Tots Parade Motorcycle Accident

Clifford Law Offices filed a lawsuit on Friday, Dec. 2 against the city of Chicago and the driver of a car who killed a motorcyclist in last year’s Toys for Tots Parade.

Frank Griseto, 55, of Downers Grove was killed when Arcirio Rodriguez pulled out into the parade at the intersection of Western and Cornelia last Dec. 5. Griseto was a DuPage County Sheriff’s Police officer and was riding slowly on his Harley Davidson when Rodriguez pulled into the route of the parade. Griseto was thrown from his bike and died later at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center from multiple injuries. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.

The complaint alleges that the City of Chicago failed to properly block the intersections along the parade route and failed to warn oncoming drivers in order to protect parade participants. Griseto was part of the motorcycle brigade that was to deliver holiday packages to needy children in and around Chicago.

"With the upcoming Toys for Tots parade on Sunday, it is the hope of the widow of this officer that such a needless tragedy does not occur again," said Robert Clifford with the filing of the suit. "Precautions must be taken so that the thousands of people who are trying to help others at the holidays can be assured that their safety is first."

Griseto would have celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary this year. His widow, Gloria, is scheduled to receive a special award in honor of her late husband at this weekend’s 28^th Annual Toys for Tots Parade in Chicago.