ISP Trooper killed on I-55 after driver violates ‘Scott's Law' day before Xmas Eve

An Illinois State Trooper was struck and killed Monday night on I-55 in Will County while removing debris from the roadway after the driver of a car on the highway failed move over.

The accident occurred 14 years to the day after a similar accident, which killed Chicago Fire Lieutenant Scott Gillen, lead to the creation of "Scott's Law" in Illinois, requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated. ​ ​

About 9:42 p.m. Monday, Trooper Clay M. Carns pulled over to the right shoulder and activated his emergency lights after he observed debris in a lane on southbound I-55 just north of Blodgett Road near Channahon, the Illinois State Police said.

Trooper Carns had exited his vehicle and was standing in the lane with the debris when the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado struck him, ISP said.

According to ISP, Carns was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as John Fleet, 69, of Wilmington, ISP said. According to officials, Fleet was arrested and charged with violating Scott's Law, which is a Class 4 Felony. Fleet was also issued Multiple Vehicle code citations, ISP said.

The violations however were not detainable offenses, ISP said, and Fleet was released. According to ISP, the crash remains under investigation.

Carns, 35, had served as an officer with ISP for 11 years, officials said, and was assigned to Troop 3. Carns is survived by his wife, two children, parents and three siblings, ISP said.

“This is a sad day for the Illinois State Police as we mourn the death of Trooper Clay M. Carns who was killed while serving the people of Illinois and working to keep our roadways safe,” ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said in a statement. “Please keep Trooper Carns, his family, loved ones, and his ISP family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts during this most difficult time.”

Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Chris Southwood issued the following statement:

“As you hug your loved ones this holiday, think how fortunate you are that there are public servants like Trooper Carns, dedicated and selfless law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep all of us safe. Clay’s wife, children and parents will no longer be able to hug him on this Christmas Eve simply because Clay was doing his job in a dangerous profession that many citizens take for granted. Please take a moment today to remember and appreciate Trooper Carns’ life and sacrifice, pray for his loved ones, and be thankful that we still have men and women who face danger 24 hours a day so we can embrace our own family and friends during the holidays.”

Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Trooper's Lodge 41 Joe Moon issued the following statement:

“Illinois lost a true hero on Monday night, someone who dedicated his life to making his home state a safer place for all. But Clay Carns was even more than that. He is an example of what a husband, father, son, colleague, and law enforcement officer should be. Clay’s loss is being deeply felt by all who knew him, especially during this season. I urge all Illinoisans to honor his memory by cherishing your own loved ones and by praying for the well-being of all first responders who guarantee the freedoms we cherish.”

So far in 2024, ISP has suffered 26 Move Over Law-related crashes, a release said, with 12 troopers injured and one death.

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 its emergency or hazard lights activated, ISP said. Anyone who violates the Move Over Law faces a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $10,000 for a first offense, ISP said. 

If the violation results in injury to another person, ISP said, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.