Another Illinois State Police Car Hit, Joliet Man Faces Charges

JOLIET, IL — Less than 24 hours after an Illinois State Police trooper was seriously injured on Interstate 55 near Route 39, another Illinois State Police car was hit on Tuesday morning along Interstate 80 at I-55.

Tuesday's wreck happened at 8:15 a.m. The Illinois State Police trooper was inside his vehicle, positioned behind the scene of a crash, in the right lane with his flashing lights activated. A 43-year-old Joliet man, Michael J. Ryan, was driving a Gold Chevrolet eastbound on I-80 when he lost control of his car, causing his car to spin, state police said.

The rear end of the Chevrolet crashed into the rear end of the squad car.

The Illinois State trooper suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released to a Joliet area hospital, authorities said.

Ryan was not injured. Police charged him with violating Scott’s Law, driving too fast for conditions/failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving without proof of insurance.

A person who violates Scott’s Law, commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years, Illinois State Police announced Tuesday.

“This is the second crash, in less than twenty-four hours, that has resulted in a Trooper being injured, and it is unacceptable,” stated Interim District 5 Commander, Lieutenant David Keltner. “When roadway conditions are unfavorable, our Troopers remain on the roadways to assist motorists who need help; 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."

On Monday, an Illinois State Trooper was seriously injured after responding to a crash on I-55 near Route 30 when another driver smashed into the back of the trooper's vehicle.

State police said the trooper had pulled over behind two wrecked vehicles and turned on the emergency lights while responding to a crash around 11:45 a.m. While the trooper was in his squad car, a black 2010 Cadillac crashed into the back of his vehicle. The trooper was airlifted to an area hospital with serious injuries.