An Illinois State Police trooper was killed Thursday afternoon in a crash on Route 20 near Freeport, the department said.
According to authorities, Trooper Brooke Jones-Story was inspecting a commercial motor vehicle on U.S. 20 westbound just before 12:30 p.m. when she was struck by a semi-trailer. Jones-Story's vehicle and the truck that she was inspecting were also struck in the collision.
"Today is a dark day for the Illinois State Police family," Acting Director Brendan F. Kelly said in a statement. "Trooper Brooke Jones-Story has made the ultimate sacrifice for people of this state."
Jones-Story was a 12-year veteran of the force, according to the press release.
The crash is at least the 15th this year involving a roadside crash with an Illinois State Police trooper. Earlier this month Governor J.B. Pritzker joined with state police in urging motorists to observe the "Move Over Law" when approaching vehicles on the side of the road.
The law requires motorists approaching vehicles along the roadside to slow down and change lanes to provide more space. It's also known as Scott's Law in memory of Chicago Fire Lt. Scott Gillen. Gillen was assisting at a crash scene in 2000 when he was struck and killed.
Local
Just two days before Thursday's crash, state police in District 16 participated in a report with WREX about the need for motorists to move over for stopped police vehicles:
Motorists are being encouraged to avoid the area.
Stay tuned to NBC Chicago for more on this developing story.
