Woman, 31, Fled The Scene Of Fiery I-57 Rollover: Illinois State Police

KANKAKEE, IL — A 31-year-old Blue Island woman has been arrested in connection with a fiery rollover crash in Kankakee Thursday morning.

On June 26, 2025, at approximately 5:48 a.m., ISP responded to a rollover crash that occurred on Interstate 57 southbound, near Exit 312 in Kankakee. The preliminary investigation revealed that a semi had overturned and became engulfed in fire. The sole occupant of the vehicle, 57-year-old James C. Denton, was transported to the hospital with significant injuries.

After a thorough investigation, ISP special agents identified Lisa E. Cotton, 31, of Blue Island, as the at-fault driver. They determined Cotton had left the area immediately after the crash. That same day, ISP patrol units located and took Cotton into custody at her residence in Blue Island.

Cotton is charged with aggravated reckless driving resulting in injury, leaving the scene of a crash resulting in injury, and failure to report a crash resulting in injury. All are felonies.

Cotton is currently being held at the Kankakee County Jerome Combs Detention Center.