I-55 Scott's Law Violation Near Shorewood, Trooper Injured: Police

SHOREWOOD, IL — An Illinois State Police trooper was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries after a 24-year-old man from far western Illinois crashed into her squad car around 7:45 a.m. Monday along Interstate 55 northbound near Route 59.

The female Illinois State Police trooper was in stable condition, according to Troy Fire Protection District Chief Paul Hertzmann.

He said that a second trooper, a male, jumped into the ditch along I-55 to avoid being struck by the car. The second trooper's injuries were not serious, but he was taken to the hospital to be checked because there was lots of debris in the ditch where he jumped, according to the Troy fire chief. The two state troopers were working together, he noted.

According to the Illinois State Police:

• The injured Illinois State Police Trooper was investigating a previous crash on the right shoulder of Interstate 55 and the police car's emergency lights were activated.
• A silver 2018 Nissan Altima failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and struck the left rear side of the Illinois State Police squad car.
• The female trooper and her K9 were inside the vehicle when the crash happened. The police dog was not hurt, and the trooper was taken to the hospital.
• The driver of the Nissan, 24-year-old Tanner R. Poppenhager of Beardstown, was issued a citation for Scott’s Law – Failure To Yield To Stationary Emergency Vehicle.

So far this year, Illinois State Police has had six Move Over Law-related crashes.

In 2022, the state police had 23 Move Over Law-related crashes where eight Troopers sustained injuries.

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.

If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.