A correctional officer was killed and three others were seriously injured when a pickup truck struck them during a jog last week. The fatal accident happened around 7 p.m. Tuesday evening. After striking the officers, the driver of the truck left the scene without stopping. He turned himself into authorities and is facing four felony charges of failing to stop after an accident. He may face further criminal charges once the investigation into the incident is complete.
The officers were jogging on a grassy strip next to the road when the Yukon truck struck them. The police reported that the vehicle accelerated before striking the foursome. The truck, which has been seized by police, suffered extensive damage in the collision.
The injured individuals and the family of the victim who died in this tragic accident are victims of negligence. They have experienced pain and suffering and will have to deal with extensive medical bills, lost income, and potentially the loss of future earning capacity and ongoing disability. A fund has been set up for the 7-month-old daughter of the officer who was killed in the accident. The full extent of the situation will likely become clear after accident reconstruction experts have had a chance to review the evidence.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Man charged in hit-and-run that killed Lake County officer,” by Steve Schmadeke, 9 March 2012
