State Trooper Sues Trucker Who Crashed Into His Cop Car

JOLIET, IL — A state trooper allegedly injured when a tractor-trailer slammed into the back of his stopped squad car is suing the truck driver who crashed into him.

Trooper Ricardo Zarate was assisting a stranded motorist on Interstate 57 near Peotone in February 2015, according to his lawsuit, which he filed in Will County court.

Zarate pulled behind the stranded driver with his car partially on the left shoulder and partially in the traffic lane, the suit said. He reportedly remained in the squad car, which had its overhead lights activated.

Trucker Jason Hitchcock of Gilmer, Texas, crashed into the back of the squad car, injuring Zarate, the lawsuit said.

Hitchcock, 54, was charged with failing to reduce speed and improperly passing an emergency vehicle. He pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined $1,800.

Zarate is also suing Master Machinery Transport and Danny Haskins Trucking.

image via Patch archive