A trooper escaped injury when a SUV hit their squad car on I-57, leading to charges for the driver.

An Illinois State Police trooper was unharmed Thursday morning when a SUV struck their squad car on I-57 near Arcola while they were directing traffic after a crash. The driver, 68-year-old Donald E. Morecraft of Robinson, was charged with failing to reduce speed and violating Illinois’ Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles. The incident marks the 12th such crash involving state troopers in 2025, continuing a troubling trend from prior years that has led to injuries and fatalities.