Illinois State Police Trooper Is Injured After Squad Car Is Struck

On May 24, 2021, at approximately 8:07 p.m. Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a two-vehicle personal injury traffic crash on John Deere Road at John Deere Place in Moline, Rock Island County, involving an ISP District 7 Sergeant.

The ISP Sergeant had just completed a traffic stop and was stationary on the shoulder at John Deere Road eastbound just east of John Deere Place, inside of a fully marked squad car with the emergency lights activated.  A Green Jeep, traveling eastbound on John Deere Road, crossed the white fog line and struck the rear driver’s side of the squad car.  The Green Jeep then rolled several times.

The ISP Sergeant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local area hospital for treatment; the Sergeant has since been released. The driver of the Jeep, Matthew Scherer, a 55-year-old male of Moline, IL was also transported to a local area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.  Scherer was charged with Scott’s Law, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Improper Lane Usage, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, and Driver’s License Not on Person.  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. 

In 2021, there have been 13 ISP squad cars struck in relation to Scott’s Law and nine Troopers have sustained injuries from Scott’s Law-related crashes. The ISP would like to remind 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 hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down and change lanes when it is safe to do so. 

“ISP Troopers throughout the state risk their lives daily to keep our roadways safe,” stated District 7 Commander Captain Jason Dickey. “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 drive sober and move over when you approach a stationary vehicle on the side of the road,” stated District 7 Commander, Captain Jason Dickey. 

The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

***Report Courtesy of the Illinois State Police***