Report Says Truck Driver Fell Asleep in Crash that Killed Trooper

The United Van Lines truck driver involved in the crash that killed Illinois State Trooper James Sauter of Vernon Hills last month allegedly fell asleep at the wheel, reports the Lake County News-Sun.

The findings were obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Trooper James Sauter, 28, was a resident of Vernon Hills. He was killed in the early morning hours of March 28, when a semi-tractor trailer struck his squad car, which was parked at I-294 southbound and Willow Road. Sauter, who was on duty at the time of the fiery crash, was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:12 a.m.

Police say the truck was traveling in the left lane when the law requires semi-tractor trailers to use the tollway's two right-lanes, reported the News-Sun.

The unidentified truck driver has not been charged with any crime and an earlier citation for improper lane usage was dismissed. According to state police, however, the death investigation is on-going and they may consider "higher charges," reports the News-Sun.

Related:

Illinois State Trooper from Vernon Hills Killed in Crash

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