The Chicago SunTimes reports that the truck driver that crashed into an Illinois State Police car killing Trooper James Sauter had apparently fallen asleep.
The truck driver involved in the fiery Tri-State Tollway crash last month that killed an Illinois State Police trooper allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel before the truck he was driving veered out of its lane, according to a report obtained by the Sun-Times.
The white semi-tractor trailer then slammed into a state police cruiser parked on the left shoulder of Interstate 294 near Willow Road in northwest suburban Northfield Township, police have said, killing 28-year-old Trooper James Sauter.
The truck driver’s name is not being published because court records show a citation charging improper lane useage was dismissed April 15, and he is not charged with a crime related to the March 28 accident. State Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said a death investigation is ongoing and “we will probably be seeking higher charges.”
Police have confirmed semi-tractor trailers are required by Illinois law to travel in the highway’s two right lanes.
