A driver has been charged after crashing into the squad car of a Kane County sheriff’s deputy, who is a former McHenry County police officer, which left the deputy critically injured.
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. on October 23.
The detective, 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 the detective 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.
A fundraiser said Anderson’s injuries were significant and required numerous surgeries.
A prolonged period of wheelchair use and home modifications during rehabilitation “adds to the complexities they [the family] face,” the fundraiser said.
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 had 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 following the incident.
“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.
In December, Anderson was escorted home and over a hundred officers from various agencies lined his street in Huntley to welcome him.
The driver of the Dodge Ram, Indalecio Munoz, 53, of Marseilles, was charged with 17 counts earlier this month in connection with the crash.
Munoz was charged with two felonies, including aggravated reckless driving causing great bodily harm. He was also charged with a misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle without a safety certificate.
Munoz, who was arrested and released on the charges this week, was also cited for 14 various petty offenses.