2 Critically Injured After Wrong-Way Driver Flees Officer, Crashes Into SUV on Jefferson Street in Joliet
Two people were critically injured after a wrong-way driver fled from a Joliet police officer and crashed into an SUV on West Jefferson Street near the Will County Courthouse on Memorial Day night.
A Memorial Day nightmare on downtown Joliet's main street
A wrong-way driver fled from a police officer and then plowed into a black SUV on West Jefferson Street in Joliet Monday night, leaving two people in critical condition.
The crash happened shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Memorial Day near the Jefferson Street bridge, according to the Joliet Police Department.
Officer's attempt to stop the car failed
Police spotted a gray Honda coupe traveling westbound in the wrong direction near the Will County Courthouse in the 500 block of West Jefferson Street.
An officer activated emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The Honda allegedly continued westbound in oncoming traffic over the bridge and past North Hickory Street and Center Street.
Authorities said the Honda accelerated away from the officer before crashing into a black Chevrolet Equinox SUV.
Both drivers rushed to hospitals
Officers and Joliet Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and provided first aid to both drivers before transporting them to Saint Joseph Medical Center.
Both drivers were listed in critical but stable condition as of late Monday night.
Police said the Honda driver was later awaiting air transport to another hospital due to the severity of injuries.
Road closed for investigation
Jefferson Street remained closed from Wilcox Street to Nicholson Street while Joliet Police Traffic Reconstructionists investigated the crash.
Motorists were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes due to expected overnight congestion.
Police asking for tips
Investigators are asking anyone with video footage or additional information related to the crash to contact the Joliet Police Department Traffic Unit at 815-724-3010.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or online at crimestoppersofwillcounty.org.
This was the second wrong-way crash in Joliet on Memorial Day. Earlier that morning around 11:14 a.m., a wrong-way driver collided with a semi on I-80 near Briggs Street, killing one person and injuring another.