Chicago – Illinois State Police (ISP) Officials today credited the good police work performed by multiple Illinois State Police Districts and Chicago Police Department (CPD).

On May 8, 2015, at approximately 10:05 p.m., ISP District 17 (LaSalle) responded to a crash on Interstate 80 eastbound at Milepost 71 in Bureau County.  Moments prior to ISP arriving on scene, a Good Samaritan stopped to render aid to the driver of the crashed vehicle, Rashad Atwater, 26, of Chicago.  Atwater asked the Good Samaritan to assist his passenger. The Good Samaritan proceeded to the passenger side of the crashed vehicle and Atwater assaulted him and carjacked his 2012 Black Ford pickup.

Through the preliminary crash investigation, troopers confirmed Atwater had been traveling in and crashed a vehicle stolen out of Iowa earlier in the evening.  An ISPERN broadcast was initiated with the Good Samaritan’s vehicle information. At approximately 11:45 p.m., a District Chicago trooper observed the stolen pickup traveling on Interstate 55 northbound at Harlem Avenue.  Atwater was driving on the rim of the front driver side which caused the vehicle to crash into the wall on Interstate 55 northbound at Loomis. Atwater exited the vehicle with two bags in his hand and attempted to flee on foot. Atwater was apprehended by ISP and CPD officers. A stolen 9mm handgun was recovered from one of the bags Atwater had in his possession, which was taken from a Chicago Police Officer.

Atwater was taken to Mercy Hospital where he was treated and released. Atwater was transported and processed at CPD 1^st District.  Charges were filed against Atwater for Unlawful Use of Weapon by Felon, Armed Habitual Criminal, Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Driving on a Suspended License and Wanted On Warrant.  Atwater is currently being held without bond at the Cook County Jail awaiting his court proceedings.

Rashad A. Atwater