Motorcyclists protest lack of charges in crash that killed Glen Ellyn man

LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- More than a dozen motorcyclists briefly stopped traffic at a busy intersection to protest prosecutors' decision not to file charges against a truck driver who ran over a motorcyclist, killing him.

The motorcyclists parked in front of cars at U.S. 52 and Teal Road for about two minutes Friday evening, revving their engines and holding up signs that said: "See us?"

The protest was organized in response to a Sept. 23 accident that killed Bradley Trifone, a Purdue freshman from Glen Ellyn, Ill., on his 19th birthday.

Authorities said the truck driver was stopped at a red light behind Trifone. The driver said he did not see Trifone and when the light turned green he accelerated, running over Trifone and his motorcycle.

The Purdue freshman from was dragged more than 300 feet and was fatally injured. Police said Trifone's motorcycle may have stalled.

Sgt. Max Smith of the Lafayette Police Department said authorities have no reason to believe the driver's actions were deliberate. He said his blood tests came back negative for drugs or alcohol and prosecutors decided that charges were not called for.

But the driver, John F. Stillabower, 47, of Indianapolis, will be issued a traffic citation for an "unsafe start," which carries a $130 fine.

Anthony Wettschurack of Lafayette organized the protest Friday. He said drivers don't pay attention to motorcyclists and the protest was intended as a wake-up call.

"This is ridiculous. There are no consequences for causing accidents anymore. No one is held accountable for accidents," he said.

Police responded to the protest and talked with the motorcyclists, who then cleared the intersection. No arrests were made.

"We understand what they are doing and why," said officer Justin Hartman. "But you cannot be blocking off traffic like this. They are jeopardizing people's safety. It is unsafe and we told them that."

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