Local Law Enforcement Stories Top Libertyville Patch In 2019

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — The end of 2019 is a good time to reflect on the stories that show us what matters most to those living in our town, including stories about those who protect the ones who matter most to us. Libertyville Patch readers followed our coverage on law enforcement who risked or lost their lives in the line of duty, including stories on Illinois State Police Trooper Gerald Ellis, who was killed in a wrong-way crash on the morning of Saturday, March 30 on I-94, just east of the IL-176 exit, while on his way home. Libertyville Patch readers also kept a close eye on developments in an officer-involved shooting on Route 41 during May 2018, when body cam footage was released in August showing Gurnee Police Department officers trying for several minutes to calm an Antioch woman armed with a military-style rifle before two officers fired several shots at her.

Wrong-Way Driver Killed In Crash With ISP Trooper Identified

The Lake County Coroner's office identified 44-year-old Dan Davies, from Calumet City, as the driver killed in the March 30 wrong-way crash that also took the life of Trooper Gerald Ellis. Davies was the only occupant of the car, which was reportedly going the wrong way when it struck Trooper Ellis' vehicle head-on.

Wrong-Way Driver Who Killed Trooper Had No License, 70 Tickets

As the investigation continued into Trooper Ellis' and Davies' deaths, the Illinois Secretary of State's office said they couldn't find any evidence Davies ever received a driver's license, according to NBC Chicago. However, Davies, who authorities say had one of the worst driving records in the state of Illinois, did receive more than 70 tickets and "suspensions," and he was stopped by police dozens of times, repeatedly cited for driving without a license, according to the news report.

"This case is outrageous," Dave Druker, spokesman for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, told NBC. "It's a tragedy."

Part Of I-94 Being Named In Honor Of Fallen ISP Trooper Ellis

Illinois State Police, elected officials, family members, friends, and colleagues paid tribute during a dedication ceremony to the bravery and courage of Trooper Ellis on Oct. 21, when a half-mile stretch of highway on Interstate 94 in Green Oaks was dedicated in his honor. The Trooper Gerald W. Ellis Memorial Highway runs from mile marker 16.5 to 17.0 in Green Oaks, according to Illinois State Police.

Ellis was assigned to ISP District 15 in Downers Grove and was an 11-year veteran of the department. He leaves behind a wife, two children, a brother and his parents. Ellis was also a veteran of the United States military.

Bodycam Footage From Route 41 Standoff, Shooting Released

Bodycam footage from an officer-involved shooting on Route 41 during May 2018 shows Gurnee Police Department officers trying for several minutes to calm a woman armed with a military-style rifle before two officers fired several shots at her. The woman, Makell Meyerin, 31, of Antioch, was walking down the southbound lanes of Route 41 with a Beretta Cx4 Storm tactical carbine when she was shot by Sgt. Jon Ward and Officer Benjamin Bozer.

The officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in the shooting, which occurred on May 23, 2018, on Route 41 north of Grand Avenue.

The bodycam footage obtained by Lake and McHenry County Scanner show officers tried for several minutes prior to the shooting to get Meyerin to put her gun down.

Thanks for following along, Libertyville Patch readers. Have a wonderful holiday season and happy start to your 2020.