ILLINOIS STATE POLICE MAKE ARREST IN FATAL CRASH THAT TOOK THE LIFE OF TROOPER BROOKE JONES-STORY

Stephenson County State’s Attorney’s Office approves Felony Charges of Reckless Homicide and Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle While Fatigued-Causing Death

Pecatonica, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials announce the arrest of Craig W. Dittmar (M/55) for his involvement in the March 28^th, 2019, fatal crash which resulted in the death of Trooper Brooke Jones-Story.

On March 28^th, 2019, at approximately 11:24 a.m., Trooper Brooke Jones-Story, #5966, was inspecting a commercial motor vehicle on United States Route 20 westbound, just west of Illinois Route 75 in Stephenson County.  At approximately 12:20 p.m., Trooper Jones-Story was outside her squad car when she was struck and fatally wounded when a truck tractor semi-trailer combination struck her squad car and the semi Trooper Jones-Story was inspecting.  The semi-trailer combination that struck and killed Trooper Jones-Story was being driven by Craig W. Dittmar of Stockton, Illinois.

On April 11^th, 2019, the Stephenson County State's Attorney's Office  approved charging Dittmar with two counts of Reckless Homicide (both Class 2 Felonies), and one count of Operating A Commercial Motor Vehicle While Fatigued - Causing Death (Class 3 Felony).  An arrest warrant was issued for Dittmar and the bond for the warrant was set by the judge at $250,000 (10% applies). Dittmar was later taken into custody and lodged in the Stephenson County Jail where he is being held in lieu of that bond.

The ISP would like to remind the public of Scott’s Law, which requires vehicles to slow down, move over, and change lanes if possible, when they are approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its hazard lights activated. The ISP urges the public to help save lives by making responsible driving choices and following the law.
 

The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until the charges are proven in a court of law.