WHAT: Fatal Crash
WHERE: IL-1 @ 10500N (Kankakee County)
WHEN: Sunday, January 26, 2019, 8:22 a.m.
VEHICLE: Unit One: Black 2016 GMC 2500 Pickup
Unit Two: Blue 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
DRIVER: Unit One: Ismael Aldape, 50, Oak Lawn
Unit Two: Michael D. Latty Jr., 41, Momence (Deceased)
PASSENGERS: Unit One: Maria Portales, 51, Oak Lawn
14 year old female from Oak Lawn
PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigation has indicated the GMC was traveling southbound on Route 1 near 10500N Rd in Kankakee County. The Chevrolet was traveling northbound at the same location. The GMC crossed over the center line and collided with the Chevrolet. The driver of the Chevrolet was pronounced deceased on scene by Kankakee County Coroner. The passengers of the GMC were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Route 1 was closed for approximately 3 hours due to this incident.
CITATIONS: Aldape was issued a citation for improper lane usage.

The Watseka Enforcement Team along with the Watseka K-9 Unit made an arrest Wednesday following an undercover narcotics operation. Officers Arrested 25-year-old Jeffrey M. Reed after he allegedly sold suspected heroin to an undercover officer. Reed was taken to the Iroquois County Jail and charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a park. WPD expect to make more arrests as a part of this investigation.

Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) held in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties on January 22, 2020. These OREPs provided extra patrol coverage for the ISP so officers could focus on saving lives by making sure all vehicle occupants were buckled up.

Violations
Enforcement Activity
Safety Belt Citations
27
Child Restraint Citations
0
Total Citations
30
Total Written Warnings
15
Most motorists know safety belts save lives, but some ignore their safety and that of their families by neglecting to use safety belts and child restraint devices. These patrols reinforce the occupant protection message by focusing on those who ignore the law. Lives can be saved if people simply “buckle up!” This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Springfield, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials have received multiple calls from the public concerning suspected scam calls.  Various ISP districts throughout the state have received reports from citizens stating they have received calls from individuals with a foreign accent claiming to be members of the Illinois State Police seeking their personal information. It has also been reported the callers claim there is some police matter that needs to be resolved which requires the would-be-victims’ personal information (full name, date of birth, social security number, etc.). Concerned citizens have also reported the telephone number where the call originated, matched the ISP District telephone number.
 
This type of scam is a common technique known as “spoofing.”  Spoofing occurs when a telephone number is manipulated and disguised to look like an alternate telephone number of a person’s choosing. Usually the number is disguised to match the telephone number of a government agency that would typically gather personal information in the performance of their duties. 
 
A few factors to consider:
 
·         Always ask the caller to identify himself/herself by name.
 
·         If an ISP Trooper needs to collect personal information from you, they will usually collect the information during an in-person interview.
 
·         Although there are certainly times when an incident will require a follow up telephone call by an ISP Trooper to gather additional information, e.g. a traffic crash investigation, an ISP Trooper will never ask for your social security number over the phone. The Trooper will also have knowledge of the incident you were involved in and your specific role in that incident.
 
·         Scammers can be very aggressive in their techniques. One of their most common used techniques is to create a sense of urgency and fear in their potential victims in order to gain their personal information. 
 
·         If you receive a call from and ISP Trooper claiming to be calling from an ISP District, request the name of the caller and advise the caller you will call them back. Look up the ISP District phone number they claim to be calling from, then call the number and ask to speak to the Trooper whose name you were given.  If there is not a Trooper by that name, please advise the call taker of the incident that just occurred.  ISP District telephone numbers can be fo

Watseka Police arrested Randy D. Sheppard, 40, Watseka, in the 400 block of North Second at 9:28 p.m. He was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear on a charge of retail theft. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail.

Watseka Police investigated a two-vehicle accident in the 300 block of East Cherry at 6:45 a.m. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Reece M. Carlson, 21, Watseka, was traveling westbound on Cherry and was unable to see a parked vehicle belonging to Travis Daily, Watseka, due to an icy windshield. The Carlson vehicle then struck the Daily vehicle, causing more than $1,500 in damage. No injuries were reported, and Carlson was cited for an obstructed windshield.

Watseka Police cited Brian F. Floriant, 45, Watseka, in the 100 block of Yount Avenue at 2:46 p.m. He was cited for driving while his license was revoked. Floriant posted bond and was released.

Watseka Police arrested Matthew G. Hickerson, 31, Watseka, after police were called to a residence in the 400 block of North Second in regards to a man being struck with a baseball bat at 3:56 p.m. He was charged with aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery. Hickerson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail.

Springfield– Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the results of the special enforcement memorial operation dedicated to fallen ISP Trooper Christopher Lambert, who was killed in the line of duty on Jan. 12, 2019, when his squad was struck while he was on scene of a three-vehicle traffic crash. The crash occurred in the left lane on I-294 near Willow Road in Northbrook.
ISP Troopers throughout the state aggressively patrolled Illinois roadways for seven days from Jan. 12 – Jan. 18 in honor of their fallen comrade. The initiative was designed to further educate the public of the Move Over (Scott’s) Law and was held in remembrance of him and his legacy of courage and duty.   

During “Operation Lambert,” ISP Troopers issued 281 Move Over (Scott’s) Law citations and wrote 64 warnings. Additionally, they made 77 criminal arrests through 503 Scott’s Law details statewide.
ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said, “The results of “Operation Lambert” reflect greatly on this department and the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep motorists safe. It shows their dedication to carry out their duties and commitment to honor their fallen brother. These troopers make me proud to be the director of one of the greatest agencies in this country. We will continue to aggressively enforce the law and educate the public in order to make 2020 a better year.” 

In 2019, four ISP Troopers were killed in the line of duty. Three were the direct result of either a violation of the Move Over (Scott’s) Law, driving impaired, or a combination of the two. We continue to honor and remember all of them. 
 
The Move Over (Scott’s) Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. The law also states, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, drivers are required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle. 

Watseka Police arrested Tyrone Leftridge, 20, Watseka, in the 100 block of Nofrth Third at 5:08 p.m. Jan. 16. According to police reports, Leftridge was charged with driving while his license is suspended and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle. Leftridge was transported to the Iroquois County Jail.
 
Watseka Police investigated a two-vehicle accident in the 200 block of East Lincoln at 7:46 p.m. Jan. 17. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Alfrhan Almuhannad, 52, Crown Point, Indiana, was unable to stop in the intersection as a vehicle driven by Crystal D. Matthews, 54, Watseka, was passing through it. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued. Damage was estimated at more than $1,500.
 
Watseka Police arrested Micah M. Redeker, 24, Watseka, in the 400 block of East Ash at 11:15 a.m. Jan. 19. According to police reports, Redker was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant charging him with possess of meth. Redeker was transported to the Iroquois County Jail.

Illinois State Police District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announced today activity and enforcement figures for calendar year 2019.

Illinois State Police District 21 Troopers issued 6,149 citations, 16,802 written warnings, including 132 DUIs, 493 seatbelt citations, 263 criminal arrests. Troopers also assisted 2,214 motorists, conducted 2,392 Motor Carrier Inspections, and investigated 954 traffic crashes. Of those crashes investigated by District 21, 14 were fatal traffic crashes resulting in 17 fatalities.

According to the National Safety Council the major contributing factors to motor-vehicle deaths in the United States are lack of occupant protection, alcohol, speeding, young drivers, distractions, and large trucks.

In an effort to reduce fatalities, the Illinois State Police uses enforcement activities and educational programs to fight these major contributing factors.

WHAT: 3 Vehicle Property Damage Crash
WHERE: Old Route 45 @ 3100N (Iroquois County)
WHEN: Monday, January 13, 2019, 7:46 a.m.
VEHICLE: Unit One: Gray 2007 Pontiac Grandprix
Unit Two: Beige 2000 Ford F-250
Unit Three: Yellow 2019 IC School Bus
DRIVER: Unit One: Reid Busick, 18, Chebanse
Unit Two: Joel Rodriguez, 29, Clifton
Unit Three: Leo Hoaglund, 71, Clifton
PASSENGERS: Unit One: 14 year old from Chebanse
Unit Two: N/A
Unit Three: 5 and 6 year old from Clifton
PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigation has indicated the Pontiac was traveling eastbound on 3100N Road at the intersection Old Route 45. The Ford was traveling northbound on Old Route 45 at the intersection of 3100N Road. The School Bus was traveling westbound on 3100N stopped at the intersection of Old Route 45. The Pontiac failed to yield right of way to the Ford, causing the Ford to strike the Pontiac. The Ford then struck the School Bus and a utility pole. The utility pole broke off and landed on the hood of the School Bus. No injuries were reported.
CITATIONS: Busick was issued a citation for failure to yield right-of-way at a stop intersection.

ASHKUM, IL- Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 is reporting the arrest of Jeffrey L. Dobbertin, 30, of Bradley for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
On January 9, 2020 at approximately 6:04 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was dispatched to a crash on Route 45/52 at 10000N Road in Kankakee County. The trooper arrived on scene and spoke with the driver, Jeffrey Dobbertin. Dobbertin showed signs of alcohol impairment. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm. Dobbertin was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Unlawful Use of A Weapon. Dobbertin was also issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

A Cissna Park farmer was sentenced to 364 days in prison for violating probation for federal crop insurance fraud.

Jeremy Seggebruch was originally sentenced to three years of probation in December 2016. He was accused of making false statements to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Officials say Seggebruch under-reported the number of bushels of corn produced in relation to a federal crop insurance claim.

Officials say under the terms of his probation, Seggebruch was barred from participating in any USDA programs and was ordered to pay $300,759 in restitution to Heartland Crop Insurance.

At a January 9, 2020 hearing Seggebruch admitted to violating his probation in the following ways:

• participating in the Federal Crop Insurance program through his sister’s company, Sega Ag Production, Inc.
• receiving monetary benefits fro a USDA program through Sega Ag Production, Inc.
• obtaining a $64,981 loan to buy a Ford Super Duty F-350 truck without prior approval from the U.S. Probation Office
• violating a state order of protection against him obtained by his wife
• failing to notify his probation officer of his Nov. 27, 2019 arrest for violating the order of protection

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident in Sheldon Jan. 7. According to police reports, Zachary Truesdell, 19,. Sheldon, driving his vehicle south on South Second Street when he failed to yield to oncoming traffic at the intersection with West Grove Street. A second vehicle driven by Joshua Bloomquist, 36, Sheldon, was passing through the intersection of West Grove Street and South Second Street when the vehicle driven by Truesdell struck Bloomquist on the passenger side of his vehicle. There were no injuries reported. Truesdell would be cited for failing to yield at an intersection.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident in rural Donovan Jan. 7. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Corey Walters, 44, St. Anne, was traveling east on County Road 2540 North when Walters attempted to pass another vehicle and struck it. The second vehicle,. driven by Stephen Zabel, 71, Donovan, slowly drifted off the side of the roadway in an attempt to enter a field entrance and turn around. While Zabel attempted to enter the field entrance, Walters believed he was pulling off to the side of the roadway. Walters attempted to pass and Zabel turned into Walters’ vehicle causing a collision. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Christopher Kempen, 40, Watseka, Jan. 10. According to place reports, Kempen was wanted on an outstanding Fountain County, Indiana, warrant. The warrant charged Kempen with failing to appear on a prior arrest for intimidation and stalking. Kempen was taken to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond

Arrests: Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Matthew O. Davis, 35, Kankakee, Jan. 4. According to police reports, he was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with retail theft. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

Anthony W. Weber, 33, Woodland, turned himself into the Iroquois County Jail to begin a 30-day sentence for probation violation Jan. 4.

Accidents: Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a car versus deer accident on County Road 100 East near 475 North Jan. 3. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Ernesto A. Espinoza, 22, Thawville, was traveling south on 100 East when a deer entered the roadway. Espinoza was unable to avoid the deer and struck it causing more than $1,500 in damage. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

On December 20, 2019 at approximately 1:19 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Kankakee County. The trooper observed a vehicle traveling all over the roadway at a high rate of speed on I-57 southbound at milepost 314. The trooper stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Nicholas Saldana. Saldana showed signs of drug impairment. Saldana was placed under arrest and transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing. Saldana was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and issued citations for improper lane usage, speeding, and driving while license suspended.

On December 21, 2019 at approximately 12:52 A.M., an Illinois State Trooper was dispatched to a single vehicle crash on I-57 southbound at milepost 312 in Kankakee County. The trooper arrived on scene and spoke with the driver, Justin Scovil. Scovil showed signs of alcohol impairment. Scovil was placed under arrest and transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing. Scovil was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and issued citations for improper lane usage and texting while driving.

On December 21, 2019 at approximately 8:46 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was dispatched to a crash on Sandbar Road at Route 17 in Kankakee County. The trooper arrived on scene and spoke with the driver, Denis Mbuthia. Mbuthia showed signs of alcohol impairment. Mbutha was placed under arrest and transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing. Mbutha was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving while license suspended.

On December 25, 2019 at approximately 4:59 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Kankakee County. The trooper observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on I-57 northbound at milepost 307. The trooper stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Anel Hernandez. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a stolen firearm. Hernandez was placed under arrest and transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing. Hernandez was charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Hernandez was also issued citations for speeding, improper lane usage, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving while license suspended.

On December 26, 2019 at approximately 10:40 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was dispatched to a crash on I-57 northbound at milepost 312 in Kankakee County. The trooper arrived on scene and spoke with the driver, Mark Stahr. Stahr showed signs of alcohol impairment. Stahr was placed under arrest and transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing. Stahr was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Stahr was also issued citations for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

On December 28, 2019 at approximately 1:45 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Iroquois County. The trooper observed a vehicle traveling all over the roadway on I-57 northbound at milepost 302. The trooper stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Joe Riley. Riley showed signs of drug impairment. Riley was placed under arrest and transported to the Iroquois County Jail for processing. Riley was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and issued citations for improper lane usage and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

On December 31, 2019 at approximately 4:20 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was dispatched to a vehicle in the ditch on I-57 northbound at milepost 293 in Iroquois County. The trooper arrived on scene and spoke with the driver, David Erwin. Erwin showed signs of drug impairment. Erwin was placed under arrest and transported to the Iroquois County Jail for processing. Erwin was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and issued a citation for improper lane usage.

On January 1, 2020 at approximately 12:19 A.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Iroquois County. The trooper observed a vehicle traveling 106 mph in a 70 mph zone on I-57 southbound at milepost 291. The trooper stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Katherine Gutierrez-Hidalgo. Gutierrez-Hidalgo was issued citations for speeding 35+ over the speed limit and possession of open alcohol.

Watseka Police cited Hermilo Rodriguez-Aguirre, 63, Watseka, in the 1700 block of East Walnut at 9:12 p.m. for driving while his license was suspended. He posted bond and was released.

Watseka Police responded to a domestic dispute in the 200 block of East Ash at 7 p.m. Arrested was Timothy Anderson, 31, Watseka, for a violation of an order of protection. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he awaits a court appearance.

Watseka Police responded to a business in the 400 block of West Walnut at 1:02 a.m. in reference to a subject that grabbed a bottle of liquor and fled the store. Police located the subject behind a residence on North Kay a few minutes later. The bottle of liquor was returned and the store declined to press charges but the subject was given a trespass warning and told not to return.

Watseka Police conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of East Walnut at 3:07 a.m. Cited was Deana Clawson, 54, Watseka, for having no valid driver’s license. She posted bond and was released.