A heartbreaking reminder of the dangers on our roadways
CHICAGO – The Illinois State Police are mourning the loss of one of their own after Trooper Clay M. Carns, a dedicated officer and father of two, was struck and killed Monday night while performing his duty on Interstate 55.
Trooper Carns, 35, was outside his squad car around 9:42 p.m., clearing debris from the southbound lanes of I-55 near Blodgett Road in Channahon, when a passing vehicle struck him. He was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he was pronounced dead.
“This is a sad day for the Illinois State Police as we mourn the death of Trooper Clay M. Carns who was killed while serving the people of Illinois and working to keep our roadways safe,” said ISP Director Kelly. “Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time.”
The driver of the vehicle, 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, Illinois, was arrested at the scene and now faces charges under Scott’s Law, also known as the “Move Over” law. This law mandates that drivers slow down and move over for emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside. Fleet was uninjured in the incident and was cited for multiple Illinois Vehicle Code violations. These infractions are not detainable offenses, and Fleet was subsequently released.