
A driver has been sentenced to probation after being convicted of crashing into the squad car of a Kane County sheriff’s deputy, who is a former McHenry County police officer, leaving 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, 2023.
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 and driven by Indalecio Munoz, 54, of Marseilles.
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, then 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, including Munoz, 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 at the time of the crash, 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 2023, Anderson was escorted home and over a hundred officers from various agencies lined his street in Huntley to welcome him.
Munoz was charged in February 2024 with 17 counts 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, was additionally cited for 14 various petty offenses.
Court records show Munoz entered into a negotiated plea deal with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office on Thursday.
He pleaded guilty to aggravated reckless driving causing great bodily harm and two petty commercial vehicle driving offenses in exchange for 24 months of probation.
He will not be allowed to drive a commercial vehicle during probation and will not be able to drive without a valid license.
The Kane County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond Friday to a request for an update on Anderson’s recovery.