A former McHenry County police officer, who now works as a Kane County sheriff’s deputy, has undergone two surgeries after being critically injured in an on-duty crash in Hampshire Township Monday.
Kane County Sheriff’s Detective Brian Anderson was involved in a severe crash on Route 47 just south of Plank Road in Hampshire Township around 6:56 a.m. Monday.
Anderson, who was on duty in a black Dodge Durango squad car, was traveling southbound on Route 47, according to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.
His squad was struck head-on by a dually Dodge Ram pickup truck pulling a loaded trailer.
The Dodge Ram was initially traveling northbound on Route 47 when it attempted to stop in traffic, sheriff’s officials said.
The Dodge Ram then went into oncoming traffic, striking Anderson’s squad head-on.
Anderson, 33, suffered severe injuries and a medical helicopter was called.
Sheriff’s officials said Anderson was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital and listed in critical condition.
Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said Anderson was heavily trapped in his wrecked squad car and it took 45 minutes for firefighters to extricate him.
“The head-on crash was nothing short of horrific and he had to endure a 45 minute extrication from his squad while in a great deal of pain…but never expressed any discomfort. A true warrior,” Hain said Wednesday.
Anderson has since been stabilized but has multiple leg fractures, among other injuries.
Three people were inside the Dodge Ram and one of them was transported to Ascension St. Joseph’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Anderson has worked for the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for over 10 months, sheriff’s officials said.
He was previously a police officer with the Arlington Heights Police Department.
Before he worked at the Arlington Heights Police Department, he worked as an officer for the Lake in the Hills Police Department.
“As many are already aware, we are asking that you please keep Deputy Anderson of the Kane County Sheriff’s Office as well as his family, friends and coworkers past and present in your thoughts and prayers,” the Lake in the Hills Police Department said.
“Many of us in this area had the pleasure and privilege of calling Deputy Anderson our brother and friend as he was a former member of the Lake in the Hills Police Department. All of us here are thinking of him and everyone affected by today’s crash and keeping all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers,” the department added.
Hain said Anderson underwent his second surgery on Wednesday to repair a “multitude of crushed bones” from the waist down.
“First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank everyone on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office for their outpouring of support following the crash involving Detective Anderson on Monday morning,” the sheriff said.
Hain asked the community to keep Anderson, his wife and his two-year-old daughter in their thoughts.
The Illinois State Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
State police are working to determine if alcohol or drugs were a factor and whether any potential charges will be sought.