An Elgin man is facing multiple charges after he crashed into an Illinois State Police squad car early Saturday near Rolling Meadows while driving drunk, state police said.
A state police master sergeant was parked behind a stolen car about 1:40 a.m. on the eastbound shoulder of Interstate 90 near Route 53 when a gray Honda veered off the road and crashed into the sergeant’s car, Illinois State Police said.
The impact caused the squad car to crash into the back of the stolen vehicle, state police said. The sergeant was not injured.
The driver of the Honda, Martin A. Estanez Landa, 26, was taken to a hospital and later charged with aggravated DUI, reckless driving and violating of Scott’s Law, which requires motorists to move over when they come upon stopped or disabled vehicles displaying warning lights, state police said.
Drivers who violate Scott’s Law can face a fine of between $250 and $10,000, and have their license suspended for up to two years.
This year alone, 20 state police squad cars have been struck in relation to Scott’s Law and 12 troopers have been injured, state police said.
“These crashes are completely preventable and I am asking the public to avoid putting the lives of others at risk by making responsible choices when behind the wheel; always move over when you approach a stationary vehicle on the side of the road,” ISP District 15 Cmdr. Jason Bradley said in a statement.
