Injured Wauconda officer recovering at home

Wauconda police officer Jim McClain is expected to fully recover from injuries he suffered last week when a sport-utility vehicle struck him while he assisted a motorist on Route 12 near Route 176.

Police Chief Douglas Larsson said he spoke to McClain on Tuesday and received an update on his health. Larsson said McClain, 29, has been released from Advocate Condell Medical Center and is recovering at home.

Authorities said the accident occurred about 5:15 p.m. Dec. 3 as McClain assisted the driver who wound up in a grassy median off northbound Route 12 before it meets a bridge over Route 176 in Wauconda.

McClain was in the grassy area when a northbound Chevrolet TrailBlazer driven by a 28-year-old Lake Zurich man hit black ice, veered into a guardrail near the bridge and bounded toward the officer, Larsson said.

Larsson said the SUV hit McClain, who sustained a traumatic deep-tissue wound in one leg and two injured vertebra that'll require surgery after the holiday season. He said McClain's actions may have prevented more serious injuries.

"He kind of lifted himself up and over the hood of the car," Larsson said.

A citation for driving without a valid license likely will be issued to the Lake Zurich man, Larsson said. The driver consented to a blood draw to test for the presence of drugs or alcohol, but the results are expected to be negative, Larsson added.

McClain joined Wauconda police three years ago, after serving four years in the Navy, Larsson said.

Notes of concern from residents have arrived at Wauconda police headquarters since the accident, Larsson said. McClain's work colleagues have rallied behind him by running errands, shoveling snow at his home and performing other chores.

"I'm just really pleased with the way it all turned out," Larsson said. "I'm also just really proud of this police department and how they have shown (McClain) friendship and support."

McClain should be back on the job in two months or so, the chief said, and will likely be on light duty when he returns.