Driver Of Stolen BMW Facing Multiple Charges After Crash That Injured Trooper: ISP

CHICAGO – An Illinois State Police trooper is recovering after their squad car was struck by a speeding, stolen car in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. The driver is now facing multiple felony charges.

Demarko T. Hill, 29, of Chicago, was charged with aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of a weapon with a revoked FOID, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon and forged registration. He was also charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and leaving the scene of a crash, both misdemeanors and multiple traffic offenses.

Just after midnight Wednesday, an ISP squad car was stopped at the traffic light in the southbound on Yates Avenue, near the intersection of 75th Street. A black Chrysler sedan was traveling westbound on 75th Street through the intersection when ISP said a white BMW heading northbound on Yates blew the red light and crashed into the Chrysler. Both vehicles then hit the front of the squad car.

The BMW driver, later identified as Hill, tried to leave the scene of the crash on foot just as Chicago police arrived, ISP said. Although the trooper had just been involved in a serious crash, ISP said the trooper was able to take Hill into custody with assistance from the Chicago police.

The trooper and Hill were both transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The squad was rendered undrivable and had to be towed.

Hill was said to be carrying a loaded gun when he was taken into custody. The BMW was also discovered to be stolen, ISP said.

The case was submitted to the Cook County State’s Attorney who approved felony charges.