Naperville police charge man in squad car crash

Naperville police Tuesday charged a motorist with disobeying a stop light and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle after a weekend accident in which he struck a squad car responding to a call.

Police said Brandt Fick, 41, of Shorewood, ran a stop light about 6:23 p.m. Saturday while driving north on Route 59 at 95th Street. His vehicle hit an eastbound squad car driven by officer Stacey Berard that was proceeding through a green light with both its emergency lights and siren on, authorities said.

Berard and Fick both were taken to Edward Hospital in Naperville where they were treated for minor injuries and released Sunday.

Fick's passengers - Elaine Fick, 40, of Shorewood; David Schlappy, 40, of Naperville; and Teresa Schlappy, 37, of Naperville - also were taken to Edward where they were treated and released.

Naperville Sgt. Lee Martin said Berard, who has been with the department for nine years, had no chance to avoid the accident.

Both cars sustained significant damage.

The investigation will remain open to give any witnesses a chance to contact police, Martin said. Anyone with information should call the traffic unit at (630) 305-5285.