Illinois State Police have arrested a 69-year-old Wilmington man for a Class Four Felony for violation of Scott’s Law following the death of a State Trooper.
John Fleet is accused of striking Trooper Clay Carns as he was trying to remove debris from I-55 near Joliet at 9:42 Monday night. He died from his injuries about an hour later at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet. Fleet was not injured and remained on the scene. Since the offense and other traffic violations are not detainable, he was released.
Trooper Carns was 35 years old and served 11 years as an officer with ISP. He is survived by his wife Meghan, children Gray and Ally, parents Patti and Danny Carns and siblings Chad Carns, Erica Raciack and Elyssa Carns.
State Police Director Brendan Kelly said this is a sad day for the Illinois State Police as we mourn the death of Trooper Carns who was killed while serving the people of Illinois and working to keep our roadways safe.
Already in 2024, Illinois State Police has suffered 26 Move Over Law-related crashes with twelve troopers injured and one killed. The Move Over Law, also known as ‘Scott’s Law’ in Illinois, requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with an emergency or hazard lights activated.
John Fleet
