Lobbyist’s Son Arrested in Drunken Collision with Father

The son of a well-known Los Angeles City Hall lobbyist was arrested after allegedly hitting his father with a vehicle while intoxicated. The incident left the father severely injured, police said.

Authorities reported that Pasadena Police responded to a family disturbance call at approximately 12:31 a.m. on September 19, located in the 300 block of Mooresque Drive. Lt. Monica Cuellar stated that the suspect, 24-year-old Jack Modrzejewski from Pasadena, attempted to flee the scene while under the influence of alcohol.

Cuellar explained, “The victim stood in front of the vehicle to prevent the suspect from leaving. The suspect then accelerated, striking the victim, who landed on the vehicle’s hood and subsequently fell onto the road.”

While attempting to escape, Modrzejewski collided with a city power pipe near Glen Oaks Boulevard and Manford Way. He then drove to a friend’s house at the 900 block of Linda Vista Avenue, where police arrested him.

The victim, identified as Chris Modrzejewski, sustained serious injuries to his left leg and pelvis. He is a principal at M Strategic Communications, a significant lobbying firm, and a respected figure at L.A. City Hall. Paramedics from the Pasadena Fire Department provided an emergency blood transfusion at the scene, an intervention city spokesperson Lisa Derderian credits with saving his life. He was transported to Huntington Hospital for further treatment, with no updates available on his condition, according to Cuellar.

Jack Modrzejewski was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, DUI, and hit-and-run causing injury. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records show he posted bail and was released from custody on September 20. Efforts to contact him for comments were unsuccessful.

The District Attorney’s office of Los Angeles County is reviewing the case for possible charges, an office representative confirmed.

Chris Modrzejewski has contributed to numerous high-profile projects, including the approval of BMO Stadium, formerly Banc of California Stadium. He also served as director of policy for former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, and his firm presently represents Lineage following the Boyle Heights toxic fire incident.

Jack Modrzejewski’s LinkedIn profile states he worked with the LA28 team on state and local affairs for the 2028 Olympics preparation. LA28 did not provide any comments regarding the matter.

This incident marked the first occasion the Pasadena Fire Department administered an emergency blood transfusion under a program authorized by the City Council in August. This new protocol permits blood storage in battalion chief vehicles, enabling paramedics to start transfusions immediately during critical bleeding emergencies.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin noted last month, “Severe bleeding is a top preventable death cause post-trauma. By providing blood on-site, our firefighter paramedics can begin essential treatment earlier, improving outcomes for patients.”