Trooper Struck By DUI Driver While Investigating A Stolen Vehicle

Arlington Heights IL

16 October, 2021

11:10 PM

Description

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL — An Illinois State Police District 15 acting master sergeant and his squad car were struck by a car while he was investigating an abandoned stolen vehicle Saturday morning n Interstate 90 eastbound, just east of Route 53 in Rolling Meadows. The master sergeant was uninjured. Martin A. Estanez Landa, 26, of Elgin, is accused of violation of Scott's Law, aggravated driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, no valid driver's license, improper lane usage and was arrested. Landa and a passenger in his gray Honda were taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to a news release. At around 1:41 a.m., the master sergeant was stationary inside a fully marked squad car with the emergency lights activated, behind an abandoned stolen vehicle on the left shoulder. Landa, traveling east on Interstate 90, failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and veered off the roadway onto the left shoulder. The front end of the Honda struck the rear of the squad car and the impact pushed the squad car into the rear of the stolen vehicle. 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, according to the news release. 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. So far this year, there have been 20 ISP squad cars struck in relation to Scott's Law and 12 troopers have sustained injuries from Scott's Law-related crashes. The ISP reminds the public of the requirements of Scott's Law, otherwise known as the "Move Over" law. When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down and move over. "I'm very proud of District 15 Troopers and all ISP Troopers working throughout the state risking their lives to keep our roadways safe," District 15 Commander, Captain Jason Bradley 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."