Elderly Driver Cited After Running Into Deputy's Open Squad Door: Cops

DEER PARK, IL — An 80-year-old man was cited for a "Scott's Law" violation for accusations he nearly hit a Lake County Sheriff's Office deputy and struck the door of his squad car while the deputy was assisting with a traffic stop.

The deputy was responding to assist another sheriff's office deputy at the scene of a traffic stop on Route 12 near Long Grove Road in Deer Park at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. The first deputy stopped a car because the vehicle's registration was suspended.

The second deputy arrived at the scene and was getting out of his squad car when a southbound Hyundai sedan, driven by an 80-year-old Park Ridge man, hit the deputy's door, nearly striking the deputy, according to the sheriff's office news release.

No one was injured in the collision.

The Park Ridge man was cited for a Scott's Law violation.

Scott's Law, which was named in memory of Chicago Fire Lt. Scott Gillen who was struck and killed while he was on the scene of a traffic crash.

"Scott’s Law" requires all drivers to change lanes and, if unable, greatly reduce the vehicle’s speed when approaching an emergency vehicle or utility vehicle with flashing lights activated, according to the sheriff's office.