Illinois State Trooper and Second Driver Injured in West Side Squad Car Collision

An Illinois State Police trooper and another driver were hospitalized Monday morning after a two-vehicle crash in West Garfield Park. Investigation is ongoing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 9:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the Chicago Sun-Times

Early Morning Collision Near Garfield Park

A collision involving an Illinois State Police (ISP) squad car left two people injured early Monday, March 30, 2026. According to state police officials, the accident occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. at the intersection of West Jackson Boulevard and South Homan Avenue. The location, situated just south of Garfield Park in the West Garfield Park community, was promptly closed to traffic as emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist the victims and secure the wreckage.

Hospitalization of Trooper and Civilian Driver

The injured state trooper was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries sustained during the impact. The driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash was also taken to an area medical center. While the current conditions of both individuals have not been publicly detailed, officials confirmed that both were conscious at the time of transport. The squad car involved appeared to have sustained significant damage in the encounter.

Ongoing Investigation into Crash Cause

Illinois State Police have launched an official investigation to determine the circumstances leading up to the collision. At this stage, authorities have not disclosed whether the trooper was responding to an emergency call with lights and sirens activated at the time of the crash. Investigators remained at the West Jackson Boulevard and South Homan Avenue intersection for several hours Monday morning to conduct a reconstruction of the event and gather witness statements.