Chicago, IL – A state trooper’s squad car was struck Tuesday night on Interstate 290 in Chicago while the trooper was investigating an earlier crash along the highway shoulder.
According to Illinois State Police, the crash happened at approximately 7:42 p.m. Tuesday near Lavergne Avenue. The trooper had parked on the right shoulder of I-290 with emergency lights activated and was standing outside the vehicle during a traffic crash investigation.
Authorities said a Dodge Charger hit the back of the parked ISP squad car, which then collided with the vehicle involved in the initial crash. The trooper was not injured.
The driver of the Dodge Charger, 40-year-old Cordell Franklin of Chicago, was not hurt but was cited for multiple violations, including Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, Following Too Closely, Improper Lane Usage, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and a Move Over Law violation.
The incident marks the sixth time this year an Illinois State Police vehicle has been involved in a crash related to the Move Over Law, also known as Scott’s Law. The law mandates that drivers reduce speed and change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles displaying warning lights.
State officials continue to remind drivers to remain cautious and alert, especially when approaching flashing emergency lights on the roadside.
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