2nd state trooper injured while responding to car crash: cops

A second state trooper was injured in a car crash in the last two days, this time on Interstate 80 in the Lockport area.

About 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, a trooper with Illinois State Police District 5 responded to a crash on I-80 where it crosses over Interstate 55, according to the state police.

The trooper was inside a stationary squad car and positioned behind the crash scene in the right lane with his emergency lights activated, police said.

The driver of a Chevrolet traveling east on I-80 and struck the back of the trooper’s vehicle, police said.

The driver “lost control of the vehicle, causing the Chevrolet to spin” and the rear end of the Chevrolet “crashed into the rear end of the squad car,” police said.

“The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local ... hospital for treatment. The trooper has since been released,” police said.

Michael Ryan, 43, of Joliet, who did not suffer any injuries in the crash, was identified as the the driver of the Chevrolet, police said.

Ryan was cited for violating Scott’s Law, driving too fast for conditions and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle, police said.

In a statement, Lt. David Keltner, interim commander of Illinois State Police District 5, said Tuesday’s crash was the second “in less than (24) hours that has resulted in a trooper being injured and it is unacceptable.”

“When roadway conditions are unfavorable, our troopers remain on the roadways to assist motorists who need help,” Keltner said. “I am pleading with everyone to pay attention while you drive, move over for them, and slow down on our roadways so these men and women make it home to their families.”

Scott’s Law requires motorists approaching stationary authorized emergency vehicles to proceed “with due caution” and either change lanes or reduce speed.

A motorist who violates Scott’s Law commits what’s called a “business offense” that is only punishable by fines, according to Illinois state statute. But if the violation results in property damage, motorists can face a misdemeanor charge. If the violation results in injury or death, the motorist will face a felony charge.

On Monday, a trooper was seriously injured when Angel Casillas, 20, of Joliet, rear-ended his squad car while it was parked at the scene of a wreck on Interstate 55, police said.

State police did not provide further information about Monday’s incident, such as the status of the trooper’s condition, the extent of his injuries or Casillas’ injuries.

“There is no further information available on the incident. Once more information becomes available, I will ensure to loop you in,” Trooper Gabriela Ugarte said.

No formal charges appeared to have been filed against Casillas as of Tuesday afternoon.

The trooper was parked at the scene of a wreck on I-55 near Route 30 when a 2010 Cadillac SUV driven by Casillas rammed the back of the vehicle, police said.

The trooper was “airlifted to a local area hospital with serious injuries,” according to the state police.

Casillas was “also transported to an area hospital with minor injuries,” police said.

“The ISP would like to urge the public to obey the requirements of Scott’s Law, otherwise known as the ‘Move Over’ law. When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down and change lanes when it is safe to do so,” police said.