Two I-80 Workers Struck By Florida Man On Cell Phone: Police

JOLIET, IL - A 36-year-old Florida man has been locked up in the Will County Adult Detention Facility following a late night crash Thursday that injured two construction workers and caused a major traffic snag. The collision occurred on westbound Interstate 80 near Briggs Street. The Illinois State Police said its preliminary investigation has determined that Gary D. Rollins of Crystal River, Florida was distracted by his cell phone when he lost control of his 1996 Ford F-350.

Rollins has been arrested on charges of aggravated driving and aggravated reckless conduct. The Illinois State Police District 5 said that Rollins struck a digital sign board just before midnight within I-80's construction zone. After striking the digital sign, Rollins struck two construction workers who were nearby, police said. One worker remains at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet in stable condition with serious injuries. The other worker was treated and released. The left westbound lane of I-80 remained closed until around 3:30 a.m. as Illinois State Police investigated the crash.

Rollins remained in the Will County jail on Friday. He has a court hearing scheduled for Saturday.

Mugshot of Gary Rollins via Will County Sheriff's Department