Drunken Driver Crashes Into Palatine Squad Car: Police

PALATINE, IL — A Palatine man has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after he struck the rear of a police squad car last week. Police said James C. Argianas, 36, of the 500 block of W. Ruhl Road, had a blood alcohol concentration level nearly three times the legal limit when he was arrested.

Argianas, who was released following his arrest and is due back in court on Sept. 19, was charged with:

• driving under the influence of alcohol
• driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 or more
• failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident
• failure to yield to an emergency vehicle – Move Over Law

At 11 p.m. Aug. 21, two Palatine police officers were conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle westbound on Lake Cook Road, near Rand Road. While speaking with the occupants outside their squad car, a 2026 Cadillac Visitiq, also traveling westbound, struck the rear of the police vehicle. The squad car's emergency lights were activated at the time of the crash, and no injuries were reported.

Officers made contact with the driver of the Cadillac, Argianas, who admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash.

The Palatine Police Department reminds all motorists that Illinois' Move Over Law — commonly known as "Scott’s Law" — requires drivers to slow down, change lanes, and proceed with caution when approaching any emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights activated. Drivers must also yield the right-of-way to any authorized vehicle or pedestrian engaged in work on a roadway or construction zone.

Violating the Move Over Law is a serious offense, according to Palatine police. A first-time violation carries a fine of $250 to $10,000. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator's driver’s license will be suspended for six months to two years.

The Palatine Police Department urges all motorists to drive responsibly, designate a sober driver, and always move over for emergency vehicles to protect the lives of first responders and the public.