Published on May 21, 2025 9:50 am
Last Updated on May 21, 2025 9:50 am
A collision northwest of Effingham Monday afternoon resulted in two injuries.
Effingham County Sheriff’s Office reported the crash occurred at 3:32pm on Illinois Route 33 at Lake Sara Road.
58-year-old Paul Burgess of Toledo was eastbound on the highway. 74-year-old Cheryl Metzelaars of Effingham was westbound at the same location and stopped in the turn lane to turn left and head south. Burgess began to drift into the turn lane, so Metzelaars began to pull to the right in an attempt to avoid being struck by Burgess. Burgess then crossed into the turn lane and struck Metzelaars.
Burgess was arrested on counts of DUI Drugs, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While His License is Revoked, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, Improper Lane Usage, and Possession of Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle.
Burgess was injured and was taken for treatment to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. Metzelaars was checked by Rural Med EMS, but refused treatment.