On January 23, 2022, at 12:48 a.m., at the request of Sterling Police Department, Whiteside County Deputies responded to the area of 1st Avenue at Wallace Street, in Sterling, IL, for a two-vehicle personal injury crash. Upon further investigation, a Chevrolet Colorado driven by Wayne A. Witt, age 46, of Sterling, was traveling northbound on the 1st Ave Bridge. The second vehicle, a Sterling Police Department Squad Car, was sitting stationary, with emergency lights activated, in the southbound lane of travel. Sterling Police Officer Travis Nease was standing to the rear of his squad car talking to a pedestrian identified as Drew W. Barger, age 35, of Sterling. While Officer Nease was attempting to speak to Barger, Witt crossed the center line, struck the squad car, Officer Nease, and Barger, who remained trapped under Witt’s vehicle. Next, Witt’s vehicle continued northbound before it crashed into the viaduct center support and came to rest.
Responding agencies rendered aid to Officer Nease and Barger. The latter man ultimately succumbed to his injuries from the crash on scene and was pronounced deceased by Whiteside County Coroner Joe McDonald. Officer Nease was treated and released at CGH Medical Center.
Whiteside County Deputies conducted a DUI investigation, whereas Mr. Witt was then arrested and charged with Aggravated DUI. The investigation is still on-going and more charges are pending. Assisting agencies included the Illinois State Police, Sterling Fire Department, Rock Falls Police Department, CGH EMS, and the Whiteside County Coroner.