CHICAGO — An Illinois State Trooper was struck and killed on Interstate 55 Monday night.
According to ISP, the trooper has been identified as 35-year-old Clay M. Carns.
Around 9:42 p.m., officials said Trooper Carns was outside of his squad car removing debris from a lane on southbound I-55 north of Blodgett Road near Channahon, when he was struck by a passing vehicle.
Carns was transported 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.”
ISP says 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, IL, was arrested and faces a Scott’s Law (Class 4 Felony) charge, also known as the “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to slow down or move over when emergency vehicles are on the side of the road.