DWIGHT, Ill. (WREX) — An Illinois State Police Trooper was unharmed when a van collided with their squad car early Tuesday on Interstate 55.
The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. in the southbound right lane near Dwight in Livingston County, according to authorities. The Trooper was parked with flashing emergency lights behind a disabled vehicle from a prior crash when a Chevrolet Express van, driven by 59-year-old Samuel Gomez of Omaha, Neb., failed to yield and struck the rear driver side of the squad car.
Although the Trooper was inside the vehicle during the impact, they sustained no injuries. The squad car was subsequently towed from the scene.
Gomez faces charges including Driving Too Fast for Conditions, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and a violation of Scott's Law, also known as the Move Over Law.
This incident marks the 11th crash related to the Move Over Law involving ISP Troopers, who report that eight of their officers have been injured in similar incidents. Last year saw 27 Scott's Law-related crashes involving ISP, resulting in the death of Trooper Clay Carns just before Christmas and injuries to 12 other Troopers.
The Move Over Law mandates that all drivers must slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Violators face fines ranging from $250 to $10,000 and potential license suspension if injuries occur.