Brooke Jones-Story, 34-years-old, has been identified as the Illinois state trooper that was tragically killed on Thursday, March 28, when a semi-automatic truck veered off the highway and struck her.
According to reports, Jones-Story was inspecting a semi-automatic truck on U.S. Highway 20 in Freeport when a second truck crashed into her and her squad car. Following the crash, both trucks reportedly caught on fire, prompting a further emergency response.
Speaking to reporters, Brendan Kelly — who is serving as acting director of Illinois State Police — said Brooke was a 12-year veteran of the police force.
“Today is a dark day for the Illinois State Police family. How many times does this have to happen? How many more have to be hurt or killed? When’s enough, enough?” Kelly said.
The truck driver who struck and killed Jones-Story has been charged with violation of Scott’s Law and improper lane usage.
Scott’s Law, first enacted back in 2002, was created in an effort to curb the number of motor vehicle accidents involving state troopers.
The law was named after Lieutenant late Chicago firefighter Scott Gillen, who killed by an intoxicated motorist as he was responding to an accident on Dan Ryan Expressway in Illinois.
“The men and women of this department, especially the troopers and colleagues of trooper Jones-Story, are sad, hurting and they’re angry,” Kelly said.
At this time, police are still investigating the crash.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jones-Story’s friends, family, loved ones, and fellow Illinois State Troopers during this difficult time.
That is all the information that is available at this time. This article will be updated with new and relevant information should it become available at any time. If there is anything that we missed, please feel free to send an email to editor@teamcoed.com and we will respond as soon as possible.
