Illinois State Trooper Injured After Squad Car Struck
On Feb. 2, 2021, at approximately 10:33 p.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a two-vehicle personal injury traffic crash on Interstate 90 northbound at River Road in Cook County, involving an ISP District Chicago Trooper.
On 2/2/2021, a District Chicago Trooper was stationary in a turnaround on the left shoulder of Interstate 90 northbound at River Road with the rear emergency lights of the squad car activated. At approximately 10:33 p.m., as the Trooper sat inside of the unmarked squad car, a Gray Audi crashed into the rear of the Trooper’s squad car. Upon impact, the Audi rolled over and came to rest on its roof. As a result of the crash, the driver of the Audi and the Trooper were both temporarily entrapped inside of the vehicles.
The Trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local area hospital for treatment; the Trooper has since been released. The driver of the Audi, Mariusz K. Habczyk, a 43-year-old male of Des Plaines, IL was also transported to a local area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Habczyk was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and cited for Operation of an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Improper Lane Usage, and Operation of Vehicle Approaching an Authorized Emergency Vehicle (violation of the Move Over Law).
The ISP would like to remind the public of the requirements of Scott’s Law, otherwise known as the “Move Over” law. When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down and change lanes when it is safe to do so. 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.
“I’m proud of the men and woman of our District and all ISP Troopers working throughout the state risking their lives to keep our roadways safe,” stated District Chicago Commander Captain Angelo Mollo. “These crashes are completely preventable, and I am asking the public to avoid putting the lives of others at risk by making responsible choices when behind the wheel; Always drive sober and move over when you approach a stationary vehicle on the side of the road,” stated District Chicago Commander, Captain Angelo Mollo.
