JOLIET, IL — A motorist driving the wrong way on Jefferson Street — including over the Jefferson Street Bridge — was responsible for causing a major wreck on Memorial Day night in Joliet, injuring leaving two people critically injured.
According to police spokesman Tizoc Landeros, a Joliet police officer tried to prevent a crash in the 500 block of West Jefferson Street. The crash involved a gray Honda coupe and a black Chevrolet Equinox SUV.
Both drivers were provided first aid at the scene and later transported to Saint Joseph Medical Center. At this
time, the driver of the Honda is awaiting air transport to another hospital, police noted.
According to Landeros, minutes past 9:30 pm, an officer saw a gray Honda coupe traveling the wrong way westbound on Jefferson Street near the Will County Courthouse. The officer tried to stop the Honda by activating the squad car’s emergency lights and sirens.
However, the Honda continued westbound over the Jefferson Street Bridge. The Honda accelerated away from the officer while continuing to drive in the oncoming traffic lanes on
Jefferson Street past Hickory Street and Center Street.
Landeros said the Honda increased its speed and pulled away from the officer before ultimately crashing into a black Chevrolet Equinox.
Officers arrived on scene and rendered First Aid to both drivers. Joliet Fire Department paramedics responded and transported both drivers to Saint Joseph Medical Center. At this time, the driver of the Honda is awaiting air transport to another hospital. Both drivers are currently listed in critical but stable condition, Landeros said.
Jefferson Street was then shut down from Wilcox Street to Nicholson Street for several hours while officers conducted a traffic crash reconstruction investigation.
Anyone with video footage or additional information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact the Joliet
Police Department Traffic Unit at 815-724-3010. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact Will
County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or submit a tip online at crimestoppersofwillcounty.org.
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