Driver Charged With DUI After Hitting Orland Park Cop Car: Police

ORLAND PARK, IL -- An Indiana man allegedly under the influence of cannabis crashed into an Orland Park police squad car early Tuesday morning, injuring himself and the two officers, police said in a news release. Maurice Williams, 36, of Hammond, IN, was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, resisting a police officer, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, violation of driver’s license restriction (daylight hours), possession of cannabis, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Around 12:35 a.m., a marked Orland Park police squad occupied by two police officers was traveling eastbound on 151st Street at 82nd Avenue. The squad car was making a turn when it was crashed from behind by a 2001 Chevy Malibu that was also traveling eastbound, police said. The officers and driver of the Malibu, later identified as Williams, were taken to Palos Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where they were treated and released.

During their investigation and reconstruction of the crash, Orland Park police were able to determine that the driver of the Chevy Malibu was allegedly driving under the influence of drugs when he smashed into the back of the police car. Cannabis and drug paraphernalia were found inside the Malibu, police said.

After he was released from the hospital, police said he struggled with officers who were attempting to take him into custody. Williams is scheduled for a bond hearing Tuesday in Bridgeview.

Photos contributed by David Apps