An inattentive driver who reportedly was looking at something in the sky instead of the road rear-ended the vehicle Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen was in as Eliasen was stopped at a school crossing.
The accident happened on Tuesday, March 20 at approximately 8 a.m.
Eliasen, who was stopped on 5th Street and 1st Avenue West, was heading east to work at the Law Enforcement Center, when the accident happened. Sheriff Eliasen had stopped to allow school children and the crossing guard to cross in the crosswalk when a motorist travelling 33 mph in the 20 mph school zone crashed into the back of his vehicle.
“This is a firm reminder to pay attention and obey the traffic laws, especially in school zones,” said Sheriff Eliasen. “Had I not been stopped there, this could have had a very different outcome with children and the crossing guard getting seriously injured or worse.”
Following the accident Sheriff Eliasen was experiencing some symptoms consistent with being rear-ended and was getting assessed in the afternoon. He had been at work since the incident. The other driver was not injured.
The sheriff ’s squad received some damage in the back end. Extent of the damage to the other vehicle is unknown.
The driver was charged with speeding in a school zone and careless driving. The incident was witnessed and handled by another on-duty deputy, Joe Zallar, who was stationed for the daily school patrol.
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