2008 Year in Review

Whiteside County Sheriff's Reports

Rollover Accident on Route 78

Whiteside County Deputies responded to a report of a traffic crash north of Morrison on Illinois Route 78 on January 21, 2008 at 3:20 a.m. The accident involved a single vehicle that rolled over onto its side and no occupant injuries were reported. Upon investigation of the crash, the driver, a 16-year-old female from Morrison stated the back end of the car started to slide and she ended up sliding into the embankment where the vehicle rolled over. The driver was cited for Driving Too Fast For Conditions and No Valid Driver’s License (Curfew). She was given a February 25, 2008 court date in Morrison and was released on bond.

Accident Involving Fatality

Whiteside County Deputies responded to a two-vehicle fatality crash on US Route 30 approximately 4/10 of a mile east of Blue Goose Road, rural Sterling, on January 21, 2008 at 3:50 p.m.

Investigation revealed a 1997 Chrysler van driven by Dennis P. Carroll, 55, of Lake Bluff, IL was traveling eastbound on US Route 30 when he lost control on the snow covered roadway. His vehicle skidded sideways into the westbound lane, into the path of a westbound 2002 Chevrolet pickup driven by Jeffrey E. DeGroot, 57, of Morrison. The vehicles collided and came to rest on the north shoulder/ditch of US Route 30.

Two passengers in the Carroll vehicle were ejected: Pamela J. Meadow-Carroll, 52 of Lake Bluff was pronounced dead at the scene by Whiteside County Coroner; Arielle M. Carroll, 17, of Lake Bluff was taken to CGH Medical Center for injuries. Dennis Carroll was also taken to CGH for injuries.

Jeffrey DeGroot and his passenger Delores A DeGroot, 54 of Morrison were both taken to CGH for injuries.

The accident remains under investigation.

Self-Inflicted Gun Shot

Whiteside County Deputies were called to a rural Rock Falls residence on January 21, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. Upon arrival deputies discovered the body of Steven P. Dabbert, 41, of rural Rock Falls who apparently was deceased from a self inflicted gun shot wound. The incident remains under investigation by Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office and Whiteside County Coroner’s Office. Whiteside County Coroner and Walnut Fire and EMS assisted deputies on scene.

Car Versus House Accident

Whiteside County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a car versus house accident at 3:27 a.m. on January 27, 2008 at Henry Road and Deer Trace Lane, southwest of Morrison.

A vehicle driven by Karl R. Schmidt, age 20, of Morrison was westbound on Deer Trace Lane when he lost control of the vehicle. The car went through the intersection of Henry Road striking a home belonging to Jean Reed of 15459 Henry Road. Both the home and Schmidt’s vehicle received moderate damage.

After the crash, Schmidt fled the scene in the vehicle. He was later stopped by Deputies and taken into custody. Schmidt was arrested for two counts of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Failure to Give Aid or Information after Striking Property and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident. Schmidt was transported to the Whiteside County Law Enforcement Center where he posted bond and was later released pending a later court date.

These are merely charges and Schmidt is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
January 28, 2008