Sedan Rear-Ends Squad Car While Officer Conducts Traffic Stop

OAK FOREST, IL — A Cook County Sheriff’s police officer escaped injury after a driver rear-ended his squad car while he was conducting a traffic stop Wednesday night, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

The officer had pulled someone over near I-57 and 147th Street in Markham for not slowing down or change lanes for a stopped police car that had its emergency lights on, the sheriff's office said. Around 10:49 p.m., a 2012 Ford Sedan struck the back of Officer Joseph Maselko's squad car while he was conducting the traffic stop.

The driver of the Sedan was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries, according to the sheriff's office. Illinois State Police cited the driver after an investigation.

“It is disappointing that members of law enforcement have to fear for their lives when they respond to vehicle accidents and incidents on the roadways,” Sheriff Thomas Dart said. “These brave men and women are out there to serve and protect. Drivers need to be aware, slow down and move over when emergency vehicles are ahead.”

In 2002, Scott’s Law was passed in honor of Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen, who was struck and killed assisting at an accident on the Dan Ryan expressway. The law was established in an effort to protect emergency personnel, along with anyone who pulls over to the side of the road for an emergency.

The sheriff's office said a first offense is punishable by a fine of $250. Second or repeat offenses will be met with fines that could range from $750 to $10,000. Those who violate Scott’s Law and cause injury or death will be charged with a class 4 felony, according to the sheriff.

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