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State police dispute claims arising from fatal accident

Illinois State Police Wednesday disputed claims that a trooper’s erratic driving caused a motorcycle accident Friday near Naperville that killed an Aurora man.

Nicholas Linton, 29, was killed just after 9 p.m. Friday as he and two friends, all on separate motorcycles, rode east on I-88 near Winfield Road.

The events leading to Linton’s death are somewhat cloudy but state police spokeswoman Monique Bond confirmed the trio were being tailed by a trooper as they drove at more than 90 mph.

Published reports indicate Linton’s friends and fellow motorcyclists, including one who was at the scene, said the trooper triggered the accident by cutting in front of the motorcycles and slamming on his brakes.

Linton tried to swerve, they said, and was launched from his bike and apparently hit by a passing truck. Friends also said the patrol car did not have its flashing lights or siren on as it approached Linton and his fellow motorcyclists on I-88.

“Based on preliminary findings of the investigation and review of the in-car video, the officer followed department policy and did not contribute to any accident in taking enforcement action while observing three motorcycles traveling at a high rate of speed in front of him,” Bond said. “Throughout the video, these motorcycles can be seen exceeding 90 mph right in front of the trooper’s vehicle. They can also be seen braking quickly, causing the trooper to brake and turn his lights on to begin the traffic stop procedure.”

Bond said it is department policy for troopers not to turn on their flashing lights or sirens when apprehending a speeding motorcycle.

“For both strategic and safety reasons, you don’t want to tip a motorcycle off that you’re pulling them over until you’re ready and in position to do so,” Bond said. “These motorcycles can quickly accelerate between cars to elude police and cause a much more serious situation so we don’t turn our lights on until we have license plate and identification information available.”

Attempts to reach Linton’s widow Erica or fellow riders were unsuccessful.

Bond said the department had not been contacted by any family or friends concerning the accident but felt the need to provide an update to clear up published reports.

“The Illinois State Police Department is concerned any time there is a fatal crash and loss of life,” Bond said. “But there is misinformation out there and we are being as transparent as we can be under these circumstances.”