Allegations Surface After Man Crashes into Trooper During Traffic Stop

A man is facing serious felony charges after a recent incident where he allegedly crashed into an Illinois State Trooper during a traffic stop. According to reports from the Illinois State police, the incident occurred on Monday morning around 10:20 a.m. on the northbound lanes of I-57 near 108th Street in Morgan Park.

As the trooper stood on the grassy embankment, a black Hyundai, driven by 22-year-old Dario A. Lopez-Arevalo from Robbins, failed to move over. Instead, he drove onto the shoulder and struck the trooper along with two parked vehicles. The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, although their identity has not been released.

Lopez-Arevalo is now facing felony charges for violating Scott’s Law, designed to protect emergency responders on the roadside. In addition to this serious charge, he received citations for not having a driver’s license, driving an uninsured vehicle, and several other violations under the Illinois Vehicle Code.

The Illinois State Police have noted an alarming trend. In 2024 alone, ten troopers have been injured in 21 incidents related to the Move Over Law across the state. This highlights the critical importance of adhering to regulations designed to safeguard those who work tirelessly to keep our roads safe.

So, while this incident is still under investigation, it serves as a stark reminder for all drivers to remain vigilant and respect the safety of emergency personnel on the road. For more updates on this developing story, you can check out the details from ABC7 Chicago.