'Operation Lambert' Nets 77 Arrests 281 Citations: State Police

CHICAGO — One year after Trooper Chris Lambert was fatally struck after he pulled over to help at the scene of a three-car crash on Interstate 294 near Willow Road in Northbrook, Illinois State Police begun "Operation Lambert," a weeklong special enforcement period in honor of their fallen comrade.

From Jan. 12 to Jan. 18, state troopers aggressively patrolled the state's highways in an effort to educate the public about Scott's Law, also known as the Move Over Law.

The law mandates that motorists change lanes to move away from any vehicles with their hazard lights activated, including any emergency or highway maintenance vehicles with lights flashing. When changing lanes safely is not possible, the law requires drivers to slow down and leave a safe distance.

During "Operation Lambert," state troopers issued 281 citations and 64 warnings for Scott's Law violations, according to Illinois State Police. Over the course of more than 500 Scott's Law details across the state, police also made 77 criminal arrests.

Lambert, 34, had been on his way home to Highland Park in a snowstorm when he was killed in the line of duty after stopping to help those involved in a three-car crash.

A Kenosha accountant awaits trial on charges of reckless homicide in his death. Prosecutors said the man was driving on the shoulder and trying the pass the scene of the crash on the left.

Lambert, an Ohio native and US Army veteran, was survived by a young child and his wife, who gave birth to their second daughter in August. Friends, family and officials gathered last month to dedicate Interstate 294 north of Willow Road as Trooper Christopher Lambert Memorial Highway.

Related:
Memorial Highway Dedicated To Fallen State Trooper
Reckless Driver Killed Trooper Passing On Shoulder: Prosecutors
'He's A Hero,' ISP Director Says Of Trooper Killed In Crash

Three other state troopers — Brooke Jones-Story, Gerald Wayne Ellis and Nicholas Hopkins — were killed in the line of duty in 2019. Two of them were the direct results of a driving impaired or a Scott's Law violation, or both, according to state police.

"The results of 'Operation Lambert' reflect greatly on this department and the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep motorists safe. It shows their dedication to carry out their duties and commitment to honor their fallen brother," Director Brendan Kelly said.

"These troopers make me proud to be the director of one of the greatest agencies in this country. We will continue to aggressively enforce the law and educate the public in order to make 2020 a better year."