JOLIET – An Illinois State trooper was killed in an accident earlier this week after a driver violated Scott’s Law.
Around 9:42 p.m. on Monday, Trooper Clay Carns was outside of his squad car removing debris from a lane on I-55 north of Blodgett Road near Channahon when he was struck by a pickup truck according to a news release from ISP. Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he succumbed to his injuries.
We are mourning the death of Trooper Clay M. Carns who was killed in the line of duty on December 23, 2024.
— IllinoisStatePolice (@ILStatePolice) December 24, 2024
Read full release here:https://t.co/oAJKQG3bth pic.twitter.com/1HFIK1sC26
“This is a sad day for the Illinois State Police as we mourn the death of Trooper Clay M. Carns who was killed while serving the people of Illinois and working to keep our roadways safe,” ISP Director Brendan Kelly said in a statement. “Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time.”
Carns was 35 years old and served 11 years as an officer with ISP. He is survived by his wife Meghan, children Gray and Ally, and parents Patty and Danny Carns.
Police said John Fleet of Wilmington was driving the pickup truck. He was arrested and charged with violating Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to move over when a vehicle with emergency or hazard lights is activated.