JOLIET, Ill. (AP) – An Illinois State Police trooper was injured while conducting a traffic stop when a motorist slammed into his squad car on Interstate 80, south of Chicago.
Sunday’s incident marked the 13th time this year drivers have crashed into stationary squad cars that flashed emergency lights. Those numbers include the January crash that killed 34-year-old Trooper Christopher Lambert.
Before Sunday’s crash near Joliet, a trooper turned on his emergency lights while pulling over an auto. The two vehicles were on the shoulder of the westbound lanes of I-80, and the trooper was still in the squad car when it was struck in the rear. The vehicle pulled over by the trooper was also struck.
Forty-five-year-old Rodolfo Mejia of Channahon was charged with driving under the influence and failing to slow and change lanes.
Authorities say the trooper and the 45-year-old Mejia were treated for non-life threatening injuries at a hospital.
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