State Police Make Arrest in Death of Trooper

Illinois State Police officials have announced the arrest of 55-year-old Craig W. Dittmar for his alleged involvement in the March 28th fatal crash that resulted in the death of Trooper Brooke Jones-Story.

On March 28th, at approximately 11:24 a.m., Trooper Jones-Story was inspecting a commercial motor vehicle on United States Route 20 westbound, just west of Illinois Route 75 in Stephenson County.  At approximately 12:20 p.m., Trooper Jones-Story was outside her squad car when she was struck and fatally wounded when a truck tractor semi-trailer combination struck her squad car and the semi Trooper Jones-Story was inspecting. Authorities allege the semi-trailer combination that struck and killed Trooper Jones-Story was being driven by Dittmar, who is from Stockton.

On Thursday, the Stephenson County State's Attorney's Office approved charging Dittmar with two counts of Reckless Homicide (both Class 2 Felonies), and one count of Operating A Commercial Motor Vehicle While Fatigued - Causing Death (Class 3 Felony).  An arrest warrant was issued for Dittmar and the bond for the warrant was set by the judge at $250,000 (10% applies). Dittmar was later taken into custody and lodged in the Stephenson County Jail where he is being held in lieu of that bond.

The ISP would like to remind the public of Scott’s Law, which requires vehicles to slow down, move over, and change lanes if possible, when they are approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its hazard lights activated. The ISP urges the public to help save lives by making responsible driving choices and following the law.